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Doha, Qatar; November 18, 2012: The fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), the annual cultural event of Doha Film Institute (DFI), will screen a captivating selection of films from around the world, in diverse genres, on Monday (November 19, 2012).

In addition to powerful documentaries, the screenings include the film adaptation of a Henry James novel and a brilliant survival story from Iceland, among others. Film lovers also have the opportunity to engage in a discussion on story-telling in the digital age at Doha Talks, the interactive platform led by film industry veterans.

Set in post-war Armenia and directed by Tamara Stepanyan, Embers is competing in DTFF’s Arab Film Competition Documentary segment, and will be screened at 3.30 PM at DFI Cinema – Museum of Islamic Art Park. The film is a touching tribute to the memory of the filmmaker’s grandmother through conversations with her elderly circle of friends in her hometown. Their memories close a gap between the past and the present.

Another documentary to be screened at 9.30 PM at Katara 12 – Theatre A is O My Body!, which explores the evolution of Nya, the inaugural work of Algeria’s first contemporary dance troupe, choreographed by Abou Lagraa. It also documents the former hip-hop dancers’ discovery of new ways to use their bodies.

Also in the Arab Film Competition, Asham: A Man Called Hope, directed by Maggie M. Morgan is a feature narrative that is set in Cairo during the lead-up to the January 25 Revolution. It narrates the stories of six couples at different stages of romantic involvement. Linking their tales of aspiration, disappointment and joy is Asham, a street peddler whose optimism about a better future reflects the hopes of Egypt. The film will screen at 4.15 PM at Katara 12 – Theatre A.

Playground Chronicles, another Arab feature narrative, and a co-production of Qatar and France, will be screened at 6.45 PM at Katara 12 – Theatre B. Directed by Brahim Fritah, the film is set in the summer of 1980, when 10-year-old Brahim is becoming increasingly aware of the complexities of the world around him. By setting the simple trials and jubilations of youth against the backdrop of social turmoil, the director images what childhood treasures Brahim will take with him into the future.

The Deep, directed by Olafur Darri Olafsson, is the survival story of Gulli, the crewman of a fishing boat that capsized in the near-freezing North Atlantic waters off the Icelandic coast. He swam to shore and his inexplicable survival became the subject of an intrusive scientific enquiry. The film, in DTFF’s Contemporary World Cinema segment, will be screened from 3 PM at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.

A contemporary interpretation of the Henry James novel, What Maisie Knew, the eponymous film starring Julianne Moore will be screened at 3.45 PM at Katara 12 – Theatre B. The film is a critique of a self-involved divorced couple who thoughtlessly manipulate their six-year-old daughter. The story, told entirely from the kid’s point of view, sees Maisie come to recognise who in her life really cares for her.

The panel discussion as part of Doha Talks, Transmedia: Storytelling in the Digital Age will be held from 4.30 PM at Katara Opera House. It presents a look at how filmmakers and media creators are choosing to tell their stories in the new age of social media and technology.

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.