Qatar filmmakers highlight role of Qumra in building a strong national film, creative industry

Qatar-based filmmakers have highlighted the role of Qumra in building a strong national film and creative industry that enables them to fulfill their cinematic aspirations as well as take their projects to a global audience.
Qumra 2023 is nurturing 13 homegrown projects by filmmakers in Qatar, including features and short films. Seven of these films are by Qatari nationals. More than 200 industry professionals, including five eminent Qumra Masters are supporting their script-to-screen journey through in-person meetings, workshops, and masterclasses.
At a media briefing, the filmmakers said the Doha Film Institute (DFI) serves as a crucial resource that enables them to understand more about the entire film ecosystem – from scripting to financing, production, post-production, marketing, distribution and showcasing their films at international film festivals.
Mohammed A al-Suwaidi, director of Alaqiq: Darkness of Media (Qatar) said his project, supported by the Qatari Film Fund, is distinctive in content and style. The film is co-directed by Kummam al-Maadeed and is set in a city warped by social media and technology.
Kummam al-Maadeed said the film deals with a very important topic – social media - using superhero characters to explore solutions. She said her skills in writing stories helped her cut a pathway in films and is focused on creating a project with a local flavour.
Nadia al-Khater, who is directing Continuity [working title] (Qatar) says Qumra has been important for her in receiving feedback from mentors. “Many film festivals have specific priorities and gaining an understanding of what is relevant and cutting edge in cinema is important to me as a filmmaker as we want to create a film that is original and fresh.”
Eiman Mirghani, director of Villa 187 (Sudan, Qatar), is participating in Qumra for the third year. “The DFI is like family to me, and I have been participating in several workshops over the past six years. Their support has opened my eyes to many aspects regarding filmmaking, such as grants and connecting to organisations that help directors develop their craft.
Obada Jarbi, director of Bel Falstini (Lebanon, Qatar), said Qumra has opened new horizons and helps him expand his thinking to explore new ideas and make the film more compelling.
Karim Emara, director of Holy Feet (US, Egypt, Qatar), said, “Qumra not only helps filmmakers in gaining feedback on your script as well as opens opportunities for financing and production support, but also helps in developing connections. We are creating a hub and a family; even though I reside in America I can always connect with them.”