Director Mira Nair’s “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” will premiere in the Middle East and North Africa region on November 17, opening the fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival.

The announcement that the adaption, a Doha Film Institute (DFI) financed film, will usher in the eight-day event came following critical acclaim at the 69th Venice Film Festival – where the film just enjoyed its world premiere.

“We are thrilled with the honour of “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” opening the Doha Tribeca Film Festival – made all the sweeter after the five-year odyssey it has been making this film,” said Nair. “A lovely send-off for a tale that couldn’t be more timely for the world we live in today. It is rare to be able to make a global film that is both political and personal. DFI provided instrumental support from the beginning, their un-stirring faith in this timely story made it happen against all odds.

Director Mira Nair pictured

Based on the best-selling novel of the same title by Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid, translated into 25 languages, ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ is a riveting international political thriller that follows the story of a young Pakistani man, chasing corporate success on Wall Street, who ultimately finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American Dream, a hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family’s homeland.

His Excellency Issa Bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, DTFF vice chair, said: “As a Festival committed to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation through cinema, we are excited to open with Mira’s latest creative work that will connect with our audiences. It’s topically relevant and complements our mandate to support meaningful cinema.

“The Reluctant Fundamentalist” cast includes Riz Ahmed, Academy Award nominee Kate Hudson, Golden Globe winner Kiefer Sutherland, Liev Schreiber, National Film Awards India winner Shabana Azmi and BAFTA Award nominee Om Puri.

For more information, here’s the announcement in full on our press release