Doha Film Institute to screen Yemen’s first feature film ‘A New Day in Old Sana’a’ on Jan. 29 & 30
Jan 18, 2015
- Part of the Hekayat Khaleejiya showcase that brings pioneering films from the region
- Screenings to be followed by Q&A session with Yemeni filmmaker Bader Ben Hirsi
Doha, Qatar; January 18, 2015: The Doha Film Institute will bring an achingly romantic tale set amidst the old world charm of the Yemen’s capital city Sana’a with the screening of director Bader Ben Hirsi’s A New Day in Old Sana’a (2005) as part of the Hekayat Khaleejiya showcase on January 29 and 30, 7pm, at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium (MIA).
The screenings on both days will be followed by a Q&A session with the director for the audience to gain further insights into the making of the movie, which has been screened in several international film festivals. An 83-minute movie in English with Arabic subtitles, A New Day in Old Sana’a is hailed as the first feature from Yemen.
A New Day in Old Sana’a depicts the romance between Tariq, the handsome son of a wealthy and respected aristocrat, and a beautiful woman he comes across one night as he wanders the street. He assumes that the lady is Bilquis, the naïve daughter of a powerful judge, to whom he is betrothed. But things are not quite what they seem and the young groom must make the devastating choice between following his heart and protecting his family’s honour.
Regular tickets are priced QAR35; students have to pay only QAR25 on presenting a valid student ID. Tickets can be purchased online at www.dohafilminstitute.com or from the Museum of Islamic Art DFI Ticket Outlet, across from the MIA Auditorium, on Jan. 29 (Thursday) from 12 to 8pm and on Jan. 30 (Friday) from 2 to 8pm.
Doha Film Institute’s Hekayat Khaleejiya series brings pioneering films from region as part of its commitment to connect local audiences with meaningful films all-year-round. Additionally, DFI also hosts monthly screenings of some of the most noteworthy films from across the world to strengthen a culture of cinema appreciation.
The Hekayat Khaleejiya programming includes contemporary independent cinema, filmmaker retrospectives, classic films and a regular presentation of works by Qatari and Gulf filmmakers. It is held once in three months with screenings followed by Q&A sessions with the directors and talent.