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Sessions to Offer Exclusive Insights into Filmmaking and the People Behind the Lens

Doha, October 28, 2011: Gulf filmmakers will shine a light on the growing pool of Arab talent within the regional film industry at an interactive panel on ‘Athentic Khaleeji Storytelling’ tomorrow at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF).

Qatari filmmaker Ahmed Al-baker (The Package Vol.1) will participate in the panel alongside actors Haifa Hussain and Haya Abdulsalam, producer Talal Al Muhanna and filmmakers Abdullah Al Kaabi and Nawaf Al Janahi, whose latest film Sea Shadow premiered on October 20 in Abu Dhabi. Moderated by Kuwaiti actor, comedian and TV presenter Dawood Hussain, the discussion will focus on how audiences beyond the local are increasingly developing an appetite for Gulf storylines – from the online sphere to the big screen, and how regional talents can meet such demands whilst retaining their artistic and cultural authenticity.

Commenting on the panel, Ahmed Al-baker said: “I’m really looking forward to the panel and hearing what people have to say, not just from within the industry but also audiences, who really are the ones that drive the success of our stories in the end – I think we will see some really fun and interesting conversations that will hopefully set the tone for more important discussions in the future. We all know that this industry is growing – online, offline, locally, regionally and internationally – we are seeing a volume of output that we’ve never seen before, so I think it’s really important for all of us all to think about the way in which we are going to portray our lives, stories and culture in years to come.”

With Emirati City of Life director, Ali Mostafa, having recently launched his five-minute thriller webisodes “Classified” with MBC, and Lebanon’s Emmy Award-winning web-based video series “Shankaboot”, soon expanding into the Gulf in search of untold stories and undiscovered talents, the regional industry is seeing a flurry of creativity from filmmakers across the board. This panel is sure to spark some lively and timely dialogues about the future of Arab storytellers from some of the talents who are currently leading the charge.

About Doha Film Institute (DFI):

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is an independent cultural organisation established in 2010 to incorporate Qatar’s film initiatives under one banner.

Located at Qatar’s new cultural hub, Katara, DFI’s many initiatives include film and television funding for MENA and international films, year-round education programs, film screenings, and the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF).

In addition, DFI has established a number of strategic cultural partnerships with leading local and international organisations including Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Tribeca Enterprises, World Cinema Foundation, Maisha Film Labs and Giffoni Film Festival.

DFI was founded by H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Along with Her Excellency, DFI leadership comprises DFI Board Vice-Chair and Festival Board Chair, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahad Al-Thani; DFI Board Member and Festival Board Vice-Chair, H.E. Dr. Hassan Al-Nimah; DFI Board Member, Mr. Mansoor Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud; Festival Board Member, H.E. Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousuf Al Thani; and DFI Executive Director, Amanda Palmer.