The ninth edition of Qumra Film Forum 2023, the annual film incubator, organized by the Doha Film Institute, kicked off today, in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Doha Film Institute, and with the participation of more than 200 international film experts from 41 countries who will provide guidance. And mentoring 44 projects, including feature films and documentaries, in addition to short films and series for emerging talents.
The selected projects in the forum, which lasts until the fifteenth of this March, and its activities are organized in person and some of its sessions are held remotely, from 23 countries, confirm the vision and mission of the forum to provide support to filmmakers from the region and the world in their journey from writing the script until presenting their projects on the screen.
Mrs. Fatima Hassan Al-Rumaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, welcomed the guests to the opening session, which was attended by Lynne Ramsey and the former Qumra Al-Cinema expert, Reethi Ban. Qumra Film Festival is an important incubator and a unique event for coordination between various fields related to cinematic work, and it is an extension of the ongoing financing, training and development programs by the Doha Film Institute, as it provides a suitable environment and important opportunities for cooperation and exchange in the field of films, especially since the mission of this event is to support voices emerging from all over the world.
The CEO of the Doha Film Institute stressed that the Qumra Film Forum enhances cooperation and creative partnerships, and provides an opportunity to start new friendships, saying: "We are confident that the inspiration and energy that the participants will gain will take their work to new heights".
Among the most prominent activities of Qumra Film Festival 2023 are the distinguished mentoring sessions, presented by the British novelist, screenwriter, and director Sir Christopher Hampton, winner of several Oscars and BAFTA awards, David Parfitt, the Oscar-winning theatrical, film and television producer, and Jacqueline West, the fashion designer who was nominated for four awards. Oscar, Scottish filmmaker Lynn Ramsay, winner of the Cannes Festival, and famous British filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, winner of the Golden Bear and Silver Bear awards at the Berlin Film Festival.
Film talents working on selected film and series projects participate in individual and group mentoring sessions, real-world activities, training sessions in scenario consulting, legal advice, sales, marketing and co-production, as well as individual mentoring sessions for projects in the final version stage.
These activities will be presented in a series of unfinished edition presentations by leading festival programmers, market representatives, sales agents and distributors. Film projects at Qumra Cinemas 2023 come from diverse geographies, from Algeria to Indonesia and Mexico to Mongolia, and this year’s guest list includes acclaimed film directors, producers, film festival directors, programmers, consultants, fund managers, sales specialists, script experts, distributors, video-on-demand platforms, broadcasters and more. of industry professionals.
The cultural partners of Qumra 2023 include Qatar Museums, the Museum of Islamic Art, M7, and the Qatar Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in fashion, design and technology.
