DFI presents online programme 'Watching the Classics' for filmmakers and cinephiles

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is set to launch an exciting online programme, 'Watching the Classics', aimed at providing filmmakers and cinephiles with an enriching opportunity to examine the depths of film history.The programme, scheduled to start on August 28, will be presented by distinguished scholar Richard Peña, a renowned figure in the world of cinema. Peña, a professor of Film Studies at Columbia University and the director Emeritus of the New York Film Festival, will lead participants through a captivating series of lectures and discussions, each meticulously exploring an undisputed world cinema classic.During each monthly session, DFI noted that Professor Peña will immerse participants in the intricacies of a selected film, unraveling its aesthetic, economic, technological, and socio-political context.By dissecting the formal techniques employed by directors and illuminating the profound implications of their artistic and technical decisions, participants will gain profound insights into the world of filmmaking.To fully engage with the programme, DFI said attendees are encouraged to watch the chosen films ahead of each session. Fortunately, these films are readily accessible through popular streaming services.In these enlightening lectures, participants will be treated to select images and clips for in-depth discussion. Additionally, an interactive component allows attendees to pose questions to Professor Peña, creating a dynamic learning experience.The queries will be addressed at the conclusion of each session, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the cinematic masterpieces under examination. This initiative offers a unique chance to either revisit cherished film favourites or to discover influential works that have significantly shaped the trajectory of film history.According to DFI, the inaugural series, titled 'Making Movies Modern', will be inaugurated with an introduction by Professor Peña. This nine-part exploration will trace the seismic shift that unfolded in cinema during the late 1950s and early 1960s.Peña's 'Making Movies Modern' series will scrutinise this cinematic revolution, dissecting its pivotal trends and tendencies while going through iconic works that exemplify its essence. Esteemed filmmakers such as Luis Buñuel, Jean-Luc Godard, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Andrei Tarkovsky will be subjects of discussion, showcasing their profound contributions to this transformative era in cinema.DFI noted that 'Watching the Classics' sessions will take place on the last Monday of each month. Film selections for upcoming sessions will be unveiled at the beginning of each month, sparking anticipation and enthusiasm among participants.Session 5, slated for August 28, will present 'Memories of Underdevelopment' by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea. This groundbreaking film, born out of Cuba's 1959 Revolution, embodies the spirit of modernism by challenging established cinematic norms linked to past oppression.