(Photo taken by Reem Saleh)

Since directing Jassim, the 2009 film about the founding father of modern Qatar, Oscar-nominated director Peter Webber has continued to bring Qatar’s history to life through film. His current project: a trio of short historical dramas about three calamities that struck Qatar between 1919 and 1939 – a famine, a brutal storm, and a devastating outbreak of influenza. The films were shot in 35mm in preparation for Qatar National Day celebrations on December 18th.

Three alumni from DFI’s student filmmaker program joined Webber during the filming of the three shorts. Below are their reflections on working with the world-class director on the set of this ambitious Qatari film project.”

Hamida Al Kuwari reflects on the film, “Famine”

Walking in the shadow of Peter Webber in the blazing desert heat for his National Day short, “The Famine”, was nourishing and inspiring to say the least. He lives up to his reputation of being a calm and collected director. Not only was he open to having conversations throughout the shoot about what inspired him to be a filmmaker, his work ethic with his crew and his undeniable passion for film in general, but he also encouraged me to feel like I was a part of his team. There was a communal buzz within his crew, and it was contagious. It made me feel like I was employed by Serious Pictures! Before I knew it, I was handing out water bottles to everyone, and doing anything to help the day go smoothly.

What inspired me the most during the shoot was Peter’s sense of comradeship with his team. It was highly apparent that they were all friends and that this is the best way to work on a project. If you trust and love your crew, then they are as invested as you are in the project and will stop at nothing until everything is carried out in line with your vision.

One of the highlights of this experience was when I heard Peter’s AD, Chris, talk about a “dirty” point of view shot. To be honest, I was rather shocked. I assumed that this was a National Day film and instead of “dirty” shots, I expected “poetic” shots depicting a story from our nations’ history. Little did I know that a “dirty” point of view is when the person is in the shot! A “clean” point of view shot is when you are looking through the eyes of the character. Throughout the day I was typing film terminology into my phone – the funniest was the “JFK” shot; the shot that was not on the schedule and came out of nowhere!
On top of compiling a film language dictionary into my phone, another important lesson was that of organization. The need for back up plans is a necessity on any film shoot because you never know what might happen, especially in a country where film is a relatively new medium. Peter’s team had a plan B for practically every shot that was in the schedule for the day. However, the most important lesson was that of team work and making sure that the crew is fed properly so they are on top of their game. I brought a few boxes of donuts in the morning and that injected everyone with more enthusiasm (and sugar rushes) to move forward with the day.

After absorbing all of these lessons, I remember turning to Peter as the sun was setting during one of his final shots and saying, “I could do this for the rest of my life.” He simply smiled to himself and replied, “Well, that’s a good start!”

Peter pulled back the curtain and allowed me to peek into a world that I wish to be a part of. Film has the power to change ideas and plays a big role in cultural innovation. This experience reinforced my thirst to establish myself as a one of the voices of the new Arab filmmaking generation.

Mohammed Ibrahim reflects on the film, “The Storm”

Spending three days with Peter Webber and his crew was a life changing experience. It was the first time I had been on a big budget production, not to mention a 35mm film shoot. It made me realize that this opportunity has brought me closer to my dream than ever. Not only have I just shot my first film, but I was learning firsthand the tricks of the trade from an experienced, renowned director.

Since this was different than what we (as a young generation of filmmakers) have learnt, it was all about sponging as much about anything and everything. Our background in filmmaking is shooting in Digital, whereas 35mm is a completely different world. It brought me closer to the traditional ways of filmmaking.

Peter was generous to give me time during the shoot, especially in the beginning of the day to ask him questions about what it’s like to be a film director, and what it takes to make it in the business.

I noticed immediately on the set that while it was extremely professional the entire crew had strong chemistry between them. Peter stressed that for him it was extremely important to pick the right crew on your shoot. It not only makes for a better workplace, but at the end of the day, the more your crew love you, the more passionate they will be at work… no matter how much time is spent laughing and goofing off!

Amir Ghonim reflects on the film, “Influenza”

I just spent three of the most wonderful days in my life with the brilliant director Peter Webber. He was filming 3 short films for the Qatari National Day. On his set you understand the real meaning of Art, creativity, professionalism, and cooperation. I have learned how to be confident and how to understand the concept of being a director who is supposed to have many answers for many questions, or sometimes even pretends that he has. The advice I most remember in this intensive educational journey with the director of “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” is an answer to my question of how to be a good filmmaker. He told me that I should live for real. I should fall in love, break someone’s heart, and get my heart broken. I should go to many places and meet many people. I should go to Italy, Peru, and Egypt and live new stories there. When I told him that many people advised me to watch lots of films, he said that this is not enough. He said that if I spend most of my life watching films, I will end up making films about films. And that is no use! I hope to become a member in his crew in the future so that I can get further educated not just about films, but about life, and self development.

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