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Doha, Qatar; November 19, 2012: The fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), the annual cultural event of Doha Film Institute (DFI), is screening internationally acclaimed films from the Arab world, and a diverse selection of contemporary world cinema that documents the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of strife, on Tuesday (November 20, 2012).

An award-winning Moroccan film, God’s Horses, directed by Nabil Ayouch is inspired by the terror attacks in Casablanca in 2003. It follows two young men over a 10-year period, examining the events that gradually draw them from innocent youthful excitement toward terrorism and sacrifice. The film, competing in the Arab Film Competition, will be screened at 9.45 PM at Katara Drama Theatre.

Another in-competition film, Professor is a mature drama, directed by Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud. The Tunisian film narrates the life of a professor who finds his life and career in jeopardy when a student with whom he has been having an extramarital affair is jailed for her political views. Professor is a vigorous examination of the state of human rights in Tunisia in the 1970s. It will be screened at 3 PM at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.

A compelling documentary from the Arab Fidai world, charts the life of El Hadi, one of the unnamed fighters whose selfless acts threw off more than a century of oppressive colonial rule in Algeria. Damien Ounouri, the director, illuminates the actions of revolutionaries during one of the world’s most inspiring battles for freedom. Fidai will be screened at 7 PM at Katara 12 – Theatre A.

In the Contemporary World Cinema showcase of DTFF is the Chinese film Full Circle, to be screened at 9.30 PM at DFI Cinema – Museum of Islamic Art Park. Directed by Yang Zhang, an infectious energy permeates this moving tale of a group of irrepressible senior citizens who decide to put together a performance to enter a TV contest. Despite illness, senility, a lack of acting ability and a no-nonsense chief nurse, they charge toward the competition.

The Italian film, Reality is a dark, clever and at times hilarious take on the society’s addiction to celebrity ‘Big Brother’ and the trappings of cheap glory. Directed by Matteo Garrone, the film brilliantly captures the impact of contemporary fame on those bent on achieving it for all the wrong reasons. Reality will be screened at 6.45 PM at the Katara Drama Theatre.

From Senegal is the compelling film Tall as the Baobab Tree, directed by Jeremy Teicher. The film is about Coumba and her 11-year-old sister Debo who are the first girls to leave their family’s remote Senegalese village to go to school in the busy city. When unexpected events threaten the family’s survival, the girls’ father arranges a marriage for Debo and Coumba hatches a plan to rescue her. The film will be screened at 4.15 PM at Katara 12- Theatre A.

Children of Sarajevo, screening at 4.30 PM at Katara Opera House, is another classic tale of the resilience of human spirit. Directed by Aida Begic, the film is set in the aftermath of war in the Balkans, when Sarajevo remains battle-scarred. Rahima, a 23-year-old orphan, whose parents died in war time, struggles to keep her delinquent younger brother on the right side of law. Her force of will is strengthened by her staunch faith in Islam.

With an expanded Festival format this year, DTFF 2012 will showcase over 87 films from across the globe under distinct themed sections including Arab Film Competition, Made in Qatar, Contemporary World Cinema, Special Screenings and Tribute to Algerian Cinema.

DTFF 2012 provides audiences a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience with new screening venues across Doha. Indoor and outdoor screenings will take place at Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA), and Souq Waqif.

Public participation will be central as the Festival is hosting an array of large community events, including Family Days, panel discussions, networking events and educational filmmaking programmes including Doha Talks and Doha Projects.