Cinema in Qatar is a relatively young industry that evolved as part of the country’s plans to develop different local sectors with the aim of accumulating international recognition and status. Many major steps were taken to implement a long-term plan to develop the infrastructure as well as giving opportunities to local talents to have a platform that establishes their presence within the film industry with the support of the Doha Film Institute, and their various grants, workshops and festivals. The Qatar National Vision 2030 has three major pillars to development: human, social economic and environmental; this vision provides frameworks that enable the development of different elements within Qatar and its society; one of which is the high importance put on developing and cultivating artistic talents to represent and define Qatar on a global scale. Another important element in developing the movie industry is the influence and vision of Sheikha Al Mayassa who founded Doha Film Institution; the establishment of film as a mode of storytelling was imperative because it serves the purpose of granting Qatar a global presence through the talents that are supported and cultivated because of her initiative. The film industry plays a role in amplifying the Qatari national identity alongside the identity of the Arab world as a whole.
Another important entity in cultivating and establishing the film industry in Qatar is the Culture, Arts and Heritage initiative under Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has a strategy that aims to organize and encourage events that focus on providing a foundation for the youth of Qatar to utilize in improving their positioning within the culture. The ministry organizes events that revolve around advancing local talents; events such as lecture, as well as theatrical and musical troupes as well as providing access and grants to locals interested in pursuing a career in film.
The Doha Film Institute
The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is an independent production house that was founded in 2010 by her highness Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The company aims to contribute to the growth of the local film community in Qatar, and provides funding and production services for shorts and features of local, international, and regional films. Along with funding, the DFI aids the grantees with their pre-production, production, and post-production processes as well as mentors and educates filmmakers in and out of Qatar with the development of their films.
In addition to providing educational programs, workshops and information sessions, the institute is plannings to host more than 100 experts in the film industry to mentor Qumra projects. It also invests in film production by partnering with film projects and co-financing them, and its productions include a 3D animated film, a Grand Prix awarded film and a Museum of Modern Art exhibited film.
Film Festivals
Doha Tribeca Film Festival
The Doha Tribeca Film Festival was an annual film festival held from 2009 to 2012. It emanated from a collaboration between the Doha Film Institute and Tribeca Enterprises. Celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Salma Hayek, Adel Emam, Mira Nair, and Kevin Spacey attended the festivals. The festivals and premieres took place in the Katara Cultural Village every year as well as The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha in 2012. The DTFF premiered up to 87 films from all around the world.
Ajyal Film Festival
"Ajyal" is a word that translates to Generations in Arabic. This film festival is something that DFI—Doha Film Festival initiated in 2012. This festival opens the ground for people to be a part of conversations that involve the crucial elements of art, including films, entertainment and creativity. The focus of this Festival revolves around aspects of cinema and being more aware and encouraging engagement in film-centric dialogues. The purpose of this festival is to cultivate and encourage regional and local talents to partake in the event. Moreover, this festival is meant to showcase the opportunities that come hand in hand with exposing the society to the essential lessons of being more aware of artistic ways of self-expression and the effectiveness of filmmaking as a tool of commentary regarding cultural, societal and political topics.