HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani opened Friday the inaugural Doha Photography Festival, as part of the cultural season activities. Organised by the Qatar Photography Centre affiliated to the Ministry of Culture, the event will continue until Nov 13, opposite Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal.
The opening of the festival, was also attended by HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, the Qatar Press Centre chairman Saad bin Mohammed al-Rumaihi, and the Qatar National Archives Secretary-General Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain.
The festival includes several personal and group exhibitions of old photos and cameras, in addition to a place dedicated to displaying film images, and a main theatre where lectures and seminars are held by international photographers, in addition to workshops and interactive platforms for the public.
The Ministry of Culture's Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs, Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, said in a statement: "The launch of the Doha Photography Festival in its first edition aims to highlight the importance of photography as a means of expression and documentation, in addition to inspiring society through the stories and experiences of photographers, and organising workshops to enhance and build capabilities in society."
He explained that the ministry seeks, through the Doha Photography Festival, to promote photographic heritage and culture, by displaying old cameras and photos, and developing the skills of photographers.
The Qatar Photography Centre director, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, said: "The festival seeks to provide a platform for displaying works, as it will include more than 30 photography exhibitions, allowing local photographers to communicate with the public."
A group of international companies, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony, in addition to local and Gulf shops specialising in photography equipment, are participating in the event, he added.
