DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI), in partnership with the Torino Film Lab, is hosting two script development and screenwriting workshops for local and regional talent.
The partnership between both organisations aims to train and develop capacity and will focus on enhancing script-writing skills and exploring the universal appeal of local and regional films.
The programme includes a Short Screenwriting Lab and the Hezayah Screenwriting Lab to strengthen individual filmmaker’s personal voice and provide an opportunity to advance professional and creative skills while developing a network of industry relationships.
Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI, said, “Our core mandate is to provide a platform for filmmakers in Qatar to grow artistically and professionally.
“We do this by showcasing their talent to international industry partners at our film events and by providing relevant and topical professional training to bring out their best work. Arab cinema has been gaining widespread acclaim and international popularity and there is an increased focus on the quality of work coming out from the region. Through our partners at the Torino Film Lab, we look forward to developing programmes that help transfer specialist skills and knowledge to emerging talents from Qatar and the region and nurture their craft.”
Savina Neirotti, Director, Torino Film Lab, added, “The lab focuses on filmmakers, and all professionals that help them develop clarity of vision, endurance and strength. Storytelling is at the centre, always. We are pleased to collaborate with DFI that shares many of our goals and are looking forward to this year of intense work together.”
The Short Screenwriting Lab, a three-week workshop, which started on January 29 and runs until February 19, is designed to assist new and emerging Qatari screenwriters and writer-directors to develop and write a screenplay from an original idea with the support of international mentors.
The workshop is focusing on 12 selected short film projects from local filmmakers. The first week consists of an introduction to the short-film format, analysis of key works, the short-film environment, including major festivals, and how to move from development into production.
The lab also comprises seminars and presentations by international experts in the short film industry.
The second and third week of the programme will focus on developing the scripts of the 12 projects.
The workshop is being conducted by Matthieu Darras, Head of Programmes, Torino Film Lab, and supported by script consultants — Egyptian filmmaker and academic Ayman El Amir, and Italian story editor and screenwriter Simona Nobile.
The Hezayah Screenwriting Lab, from this April until February 2017, is designed to assist Qatari and regional screenwriters and writer-directors to develop and write a first draft feature-length screenplay from an original idea with the support of two international mentors. It consists of four-day workshops over 10 months and is open to the 12 projects.
The Peninsula
