Inspired by his cultural heritage and a passion for storytelling, Qatari filmmaker Abdulrahman Al-Mana, has become a prominent player in the future of the Qatar’s budding film industry. With a dedication to his craft through his meticulous approach to the full gamut of the storytelling process—from scriptwriting to post-production—he envisions a future where Qatar can be a global hub for filmmaking, producing world-class films that reflect the country’s rich culture and aspirations.
His works, which often explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues, have already collected a clutch of international awards, and as Esquire Qatar finds out, it is his ambition and unwavering commitment to progress that marks Al-Mana as a stand out voice among the choir.
ESQUIRE: Growing up, what is your first memory of film?
Abdulrahman Al-Mana: I remember being captivated by movies when I was growing up. It felt like they allowed me to connect with the world in a way nothing else could. They were more than just entertainment for me; they were my window to explore different cultures, perspectives, and environments.
ESQ: So it was the storytelling that drew you in?
AAM: Yes, the journey that a movie or a TV series could take you on—it’s that which really resonated with me.
ESQ: How did that evolve?
AAM: I wanted to understand how these stories were crafted, which then led me to both dive deeper into scriptwriting, and explore the process how a story is transformed into a film, from the initial idea to the final screen. What I love is how powerful film is as a medium of storytelling. It offers unlimited creativity that can connect cultures and inspire change. One of my main goals is to be part of the “Qatar Vision 2030” and participate on the improvement of the film industry in Doha, as HH Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stated “Qatar deserves the best from its citizens.”
ESQ: As a proud Qatari, how do you feel you can help deliver that Vision?
AAM: Film is such a universal way to showcase our culture, values, and aspirations to the world, while also fostering creativity and innovation locally. It’s not just about making movies; it’s about being part of a movement that reflects Qatar’s growth, ambition, and potential on a global scale.
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ESQ: The eyes of the world were on Qatar during the FIFA World Cup—how do you feel the people and the country have benefited from that experience?
AAM: The Qatar World Cup 2022 was a transformative event for Qatar. It showcased the country’s unique culture, hospitality, and ambition to the world. I was honoured to officially be one of the organizers and part of the media team at the Qatar World Cup event. It was a great opportunity to meet the football fans and hear their positive thoughts. All the fans were amazed at the stadiums, the tourist locations, and the smooth transportation. The event fostered a sense of unity and pride and put Qatar at the forefront of global conversations. It also opened up greater opportunities for international collaborations and inspired a new generation of creative minds to pursue creativity and excellence.
ESQ: Why is it important to tell local stories?
AAM: It’s one of the main goals on my films—to let the world learn from our values, resilience, and the ambition that drives our vision for the future. Telling Qatar’s stories is important because it’s there where we can preserve and promote our culture, history, and traditions while showcasing our modern identity. Qatar’s stories reflect the unique blend of deep-rooted heritage and rapid progress. By sharing these narratives, we can demonstrate our perspective, challenges, and achievements to the world, fostering a richer understanding of who we are.
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ESQ: In terms of your personal and creative development. What were some of your most formative films? And why were they important to you?
AAM: The Marvel movies were big in shaping my approach to filmmaking, particularly their incredible character development told over long-term narrative arcs. The way they build characters across multiple films shows the power of storytelling over time and the importance of creating meaningful connections with the audience. Watching the characters evolve over time reinforced the idea that strong, well-developed characters are at the heart of every great story.
Another film that was important to me was Todd Phillip’s Joker (2019). I was so affected by the deep and layered storytelling, and the way that the cinematography and direction worked to heighten the emotional intensity of the character’s psychological journey. And then, I also have to mention Prison Break (2005). It is one of my favourite shows, and did a particularly great job with its pacing and how it built suspense and tension throughout each episode and overall series. It showed me how to structure a story with high stakes while keeping the audience emotionally invested—the importance of using every cinematic element to serve the narrative.
ESQ: What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
AAM: To remain adaptable and patient. In the film industry, things rarely go as planned, so being able to adjust to challenges and keep pushing forward is what truly makes a difference. Embracing setbacks as learning experiences has been invaluable to my growth as a director and filmmaker.
Making a film is a long process—it can take months or even years—so it requires patience at every stage. After shooting, you move into post-production, editing stage, and then navigating the festival circuit before your work can finally be shown to the world. Patience and resilience are essential to seeing a film through to completion and to making sure the final result lives up to the vision.
ESQ: What is the most important lesson that you have learnt yourself working as a director?
AAM: That storytelling is never done in isolation. Collaboration and trusting your team are crucial. Every department, from cinematography to sound design, plays an essential role in telling the story. Leadership means recognizing the strengths of your team members and fostering an environment where their contributions can be shown.
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ESQ: Who is someone that you look to for advice?
AAM: Someone I have a deep level of respect for is my professor and mentor from university back in United Kingdom. Their expertise in film direction and storytelling has been a great help, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom. I value their opinion because they have a deep understanding of the industry and an ability to see the potential in a project and provide constructive feedback. They taught me not just the technical skills of filmmaking but also the importance of authenticity and emotional depth in storytelling.
I also respect the work and insight of renowned filmmakers like Christopher Nolan for his meticulous approach to storytelling and his ability to create compelling narratives with complex themes.
ESQ: What is the future of the Qatar film industry?
AAM: It is both promising and exciting. With the continued investment in state-of-the-art production facilities and talent development programs, Qatar is set to become a regional and international filmmaking hub. Our vision aligns with the goals of Qatar 2030, which aims to position the country as a center of cultural excellence.
We are seeing an increasing number of talented filmmakers emerging, and with collaborative efforts between the government and creative communities, the industry will be equipped to produce films that resonate globally and showcase our stories in new and innovative ways.
Photography by Moez Mohamed / Styling by Emna Hedi / Grooming by Salima Aliani / Styling assistance by Stephanie Khouy / Produced by Narges Raiss