Virtual Qumra 2021 sets up today
- 3 years ago
Qumra, Doha Film Institute's (DFI) annual incubator for new global talent, begins today with six days of masterclasses, seminars, meetings, and screenings. Apart from participating filmmakers, the general public can practically access the most comprehensive version of Qumra by buying a Qumra Card, which includes the full Qumra Screenings and Qumra Talks services, according to a statement issued by the DFI.
Both people and inhabitants of Qatar and the MENA region are qualified to apply for the Qumra Pass, and applicants will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Qumra Pass is priced at QR500, but students and Qatar Museums Culture Pass holders can get it for QR350, as DFI previously reported.
The Qumra 2021 initiative is the largest in its history, with 48 chosen projects spanning 21 nations. This is part of DFI's mission to encourage and train filmmakers from the country and beyond to bring their films to foreign audiences. This year's schedule includes five new Qatari features in production, 12 short films, and six episodes.
39 of the 48 films in the competition have received funding from the DFI's Grants scheme and the Qatari Film Fund. It's worth mentioning that the Qumra 2021 initiative includes 19 projects created by Qatari talent, including 12 by Qataris. Also, over 150 foreign business experts from 41 countries are scheduled to attend Qumra 2021, accompanied by a host of leading local organizations.
The Qumra Masters this year include renowned French auteur Claire Denis, BAFTA and Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, globally acclaimed actor James Gray, Silver Lion-winning film producer, and screenwriter Jessica Hausner, and Oscar-winning sound designer Mark Mangini.
Qumra Talks will include Brigitte Lacombe, a renowned French filmmaker, and Yasmine Hamdan, a pioneering Middle Eastern singer. "200 Meters," "Their Algeria," "The Unknown Saint," "Mica," "The Marriage Project," and "A Comedian in a Syrian Tragedy," as well as "Al Tabbab," "The Blue Star," "Ceuta's Gate," "Emsahar," "Ome," "Under Her Skin," and "Woman of Steel," are among the acclaimed films that can only be watched online in the Mena region. Pre-recorded Q&As with the filmmakers are also included in the screenings.
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