Doha Film Institute strengthens international outreach in support of global film projects

The Doha Film Institute has further strengthened its roster of international film projects with three new co-financed films that not only highlight emerging and established voices in global filmmaking talents, but are also examples of compelling narratives that present poignant human stories of hope, ambition and global realities. The new co-financed productions are: Birds Like Us (Bosnia and Herzegovina, UK, Turkey, US, Qatar/2017) directed by Faruk Šabanović and Amela Ćuhara; Grain (Turkey, Germany, France, Sweden, Qatar/2017) by Semih Kaplanoğlu; and Looking for Oum Kulthum (Germany, Austria, Italy, Qatar, Lebanon/2017) by Shirin Neshat in collaboration with Shoja Azari. Earlier this year, the Doha Film Institute announced its co-financing partnership on the world’s first fully-painted feature film, Loving Vincent, a cinematic ode to the remarkable life of legendary artist Vincent van Gogh. The film is written and directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, and produced by Academy Award winning studios, Poland’s BreakThru Films and UK’s Trademark Films. Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “We are honoured to partner with these ambitious films that present distinctive and compelling narratives through our co-financing initiative. These partnerships underline our commitment to support emerging voices in global cinema, distinguished by their innovative approach to filmmaking and focus on presenting human stories that have universal resonance. We have always believed in supporting film productions that stand out for their vision and creativity, and our new co-financed films reinforce Qatar’s commitment to quality international film productions, underlining our nation’s continued focus on promoting talent in arts and culture.” In addition to co-financing, the Institute supports first- and second-time filmmakers from around the world and established filmmakers from the MENA region through its Grants programme. The Institute also nurtures national film talent through the Qatari Film Fund dedicated to supporting short and feature filmmaking by Qataris.