The Doha Film Institute continues its impressive track record of delivering Arab talent to an international audience, this year bringing 12 films from the region to the 81 Venice International Film Festival, from August 28 to September 7, 2024.
The selected films are from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Among the selection is My Father’s Scent, directed by Mohamed Siam and starring former Esquire Middle East cover star, Ahmed Malek, as a man visiting his ailing father after a long absence, and the dysfunction and secrets in their relationship.
The selected films are:
- Aïcha by Mehdi Barsaoui
- Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti
- Shadows by Rand Beiruty
- Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb
- Perfumed with Mint by Muhammed Hamdy
- Aisha Can’t Fly Away by Morad Mostafa
- In This Darkness I See You by Nadim Tabet
- My Father’s Scent by Mohamed Siam
- Those Who Watch Over by Karima Saidi
- Marie & Jolie by Erige Sehiri
- Theft of Fire by Amer Shomali
- The Station by Sara Ishaq
The selected films will screen in key programming sections of the festival, including Orrizonti and Orrizonti Shorts, along with the sidebar events of Critics Week, Giornate degli Autori, Final Cut and the Venice Gap-Financing Market.
“We are proud to continue a successful festival season with a strong showcase of films by Arab talent at Venice,” said Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute. “These films offer fresh perspectives on life that reflect human hopes, aspirations and challenges, presenting important voices in film from the Arab world to global audiences. Our mission is to support independent creators in cinema, and the compelling selection at Venice is a testament to our commitment to shed light on stories that transcend borders and present unique perspectives. We hope these films receive the acclaim and attention they deserve.”
In addition to the selected films, over 35 projects by the Institute are also being showcased as part of the Your ghosts are mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices multi-media exhibition at ACP-Palazzo Franchetti on view till November 24, 2024.
Produced by Qatar Museums and co-organised by Doha Film Institute, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and the future Art Mill Museum in collaboration with ACP Art Capital Partners, the exhibition offers a visual journey in moving images, presented through the artistic vision of today’s filmmakers from the Arab world and neighboring regions.