British classics lined up for DFI showcase

Staff Reporter/DohaDoha Film Institute’s (DFI) year-round film series is launching a programme of public screenings that will open with the Qatar premiere of the 1948 British classic The Red Shoes at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), on February 28. The DFI-UK Cinema Showcase, in partnership with the British Council and the Qatar Museums Authority, will feature a series of monthly screenings throughout 2013 celebrating classic and contemporary British films.Since Qatar-UK 2013 is a reciprocal initiative, DFI will also create a series of opportunities to bring Arab and more specifically, Qatari filmmaking talent to the UK. This celebration of UK film culture will culminate in a special section of programming at the 2013 Doha Tribeca Film Festival.  Academy Award winner, The Red Shoes, is the classic tale of a young ballerina torn between her art and her romance with a young composer. Created by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, it is the quintessential backstage drama and dance film, as well as one of the most glorious Technicolor feasts ever created. The classic has been restored for new generations to experience and lives on as an enthralling tribute to the life of the artist and a milestone work of British cinema.The film won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Music.  As well as the many nominations and awards bestowed upon the film, The Red Shoes is rated in the top 100 list of British films by the British Film Institute. Martin Scorsese also famously introduced a restored version of the film when he served as honorary president of the Cannes Classics section at the film festival in 2009.Abdulaziz al-Khater, chief executive officer, Doha Film Institute, described the Qatar-UK initiative as an exciting opportunity to celebrate the breadth and quality of British filmmaking with local audiences.  “There is clearly a demand for great films that showcase the best in international cinema and enhance film appreciation here in Doha.”Martin Hope, director of the British Council, said this reciprocal initiative will see films from the Arab world and Qatar screened in the UK, providing new insights into regional filmmaking for UK audiences. “We look forward to working with DFI and to promoting mutual awareness between our two nations.”Commenting on the importance of the programme, Miguel Blanco, director of Strategic Cultural Relations, Qatar Museums Authority, said Qatar UK 2013 aims to celebrate two nations through the shared love of arts and culture. “The showcase of British filmmaking at the Museum of Islamic Art is an excellent example of the world-class events that will take place in Qatar and across the UK during the year.”There will be three screenings of The Red Shoes at the MIA Auditorium.  The opening night will take place from 6pm on February 28 with the screening at 7.30pm. The other screenings will take place on March 1 at 4pm and at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.dohafilminstitute.com and starting February 23 at the MIA DFI Ticket Outlet. Tickets are priced at QR35 for general public and QR25 for students.The DFI UK Cinema Showcase, running until Fall 2013 will also be featuring screenings of Shallow Grave (1994; director Danny Boyle), Kes (1969; director Ken Loach) and The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957; director David Lean).  This programme builds on last year’s showcase of Japan’s rich and diverse cinematic traditions as part of Qatar-Japan 2012, celebrating of 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. More information on www.dohafilminstitute.com