Mahdi Ali Ali is Doha Film Institute’s Gulf Film Development manager.

He’s a Qatari filmmaker, and is taking charge of the newly developed Gulf Development Unit. Since joining, he’s worked to provide Qatar and the region’s aspiring filmmakers with intensive workshops, led by the industry’s major players.

Ali Ali has a master of fine arts degree from EICAR, the International Film School of Paris. He has made short films including “Champs Elysees, I love you“ (2009) and “The Gulf Habibi” (2011) and worked on others for Al Jazeera’s Documentary Channel and Al Jazeera Children. He also produced a segment in the non-fiction film “Last Supper for Malthus“.

DFI: On Saturday, a four-day course organised by the Gulf Development Unit on how to produce a short film begins: Films Tawash. In total, you received around 150 applications. What’s it all about?

Ali Ali: We originally designed Films Tawash for production houses and their owners here in Qatar; we then opened the opportunity to filmmakers who want to learn about becoming a film producer.

We have selected around 50 participants over the four days who will be led by Emirati director and producer Abdullah Hassan Ahmad. Through this workshop, each participant will learn all the necessary steps of production.

DFI: Why is this workshop essential for Qatar to host?
Ali Ali: It is important to have more Qatari film producers, especially for short films…being a producer is one of the most important filmmaking pillars.

After this workshop we want to encourage people to take part as producers in the film industry – to learn how to find a good story, good script and director and oversee the production process.

DFI: What’s the Gulf Development Unit’s main aim?
Ali Ali: The Gulf Development Unit is concerned with the expansion of the film industry in the GCC. We are also the link between producers and GCC filmmakers. We’d like for Qatar to be the point of focus for filmmaking in the region.

DFI: Aside from enriching talent in the Gulf, you’ve represented the region internationally. In 2010, your film “Champs Elysees Je T’aime” screened at the Cannes short film corner. You’re off to the Venice Film Festival this week. What are you most looking forward to there?
Ali Ali: It’s my first time at the Venice Film Festival and it’s great that the latest international film financed by Doha Film Institute, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”, will be premiering on opening night. I want to see the audience’s reaction, the echo it leaves with them. This will be a good guidance to see which projects Qatar should be more involved in.

I also want to watch a lot of films, mainly Italian ones. Italy, which was home to the greatest filmmakers like Federico Fellini and Roberto Rossellini, has been going through a stagnant period. I am curious to know where they’re (more recent filmmakers) at now.

DFI: Are you working on any films of your own currently?
Ali Ali: I always like love stories in my films and want to leave the rest of it as a surprise. I am…working on a feature film, hopefully to be produced between Qatar and France. It’s about a French girl who doesn’t mind being the second wife of a man. I want to show to the community in France, where I lived for a while, that we have feelings and emotions – not just a pocket of money. That’s the image some have of us. That’s why I want to make this film.

DFI: And which films, throughout time, remain your favourites?
Ali Ali: I love many, but the two films always in my memory are “The Godfather“ and “Taxi Driver“.

Mahdi Ali Ali on “The Gulf Habibi” set