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Institute to Host Key Industry Events to Promote Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Doha, Qatar, 8 April, 2011 – The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is hosting a series of events at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) as part of its ongoing cultural partnership with Tribeca Enterprises to promote regional films and the importance of storytelling around the world.

The Institute is supporting a variety of platforms, including industry events, community screenings and a charity football tournament, to promote cross-cultural exchange and foster the growth of the Arab film industry. In addition, DFI is hosting the Festival’s Filmmaker/Industry Lounge, bringing together film professionals and festival guests in an interactive environment.

DFI Executive Director, Amanda Palmer said: “The founding objective of DFI is to promote the regional filmmaking industry and provide Arab filmmakers the opportunity and means to reach out to global audiences. In addition to establishing stronger links with other leading film festivals to share synergies and serve as scouts for outstanding works, this strategic partnership is intended to pair international industry players with Arab filmmakers, re-enforcing the talent and creativity that is coming from this region. It also gives us an opportunity to connect with international communities through the powerful medium of cinema. ”

DFI celebrates Arab cinema with a special screening of Mahmoud Kaabour’s Teta, Alf Marra (Grandma, A Thousand Times), recipient of the 2010 DTFF Award for Best Documentary. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the recent uprisings within the MENA region and its potential impact on storytelling, production, and global distribution of Arab films. Panelists include Lebanese filmmaker Mahmoud Kaabour, international film distributor Richard Lorber, Producer, Director and Screenwriter Cherien Dabis and Producer of Cairo Exit Sherif Madour. The session will be moderated by Arab film consultant Hayet Benkara.

As part of its mandate to bring communities together, DFI will support two diverse events that engage and entertain: the NYFEST Football Tournament will see the DFI team competing in a charity event to raise funds for the promotion of football in a day inspired by togetherness and education; and the open-air screening of the 1984 classic Muppets Take Manhattan by Frank Oz. The live-action musical feature will include pre-screening activities such as face painting, muppet-themed trivia, henna artists, sing-alongs and surprise guests to ensure fun for the entire family.

The industry component includes the networking event for industry professionals and filmmakers at the DFI hosted Filmmaker/Industry Lounge. The event provides regional filmmakers a platform to interact and connect with global players, share best practice and highlight the evolution and growing acceptance of Arab filmmaking.

About Doha Film Institute
DFI is an independent cultural organization established to incorporate Qatar’s film initiatives under one banner. Our many initiatives range from film funding for MENA and international films, production to year round educational programs, film screenings, as well as the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF).