The 11th edition of Qumra, the Doha Film Institute’s flagship talent incubator, kicked off on April 4, bringing together over 250 film professionals from 50 countries to mentor emerging storytellers.Running in-person until April 9 and online from April 12-14, this year’s program offers extended opportunities for filmmakers at various stages of development to gain valuable industry expertise.With unprecedented global participation, including delegates from Argentina, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and more, Qumra highlights voices from the Global South, amplifying talent from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.The event continues its mission to champion bold narratives and support underrepresented voices in cinema.Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, emphasized the importance of Qumra in nurturing emerging voices, stating, “Spaces like Qumra must exist not just for artistic growth, but as platforms for voices that refuse to be silenced.”Qumra 2025 features 49 selected projects, including 27 feature films, 10 series, and 12 short films from over 20 countries.Notably, 16 projects are from Qatari and Qatar-based directors, reflecting the growth of Qatar’s cinematic ecosystem.Many of the selected works have received DFI grants or stemmed from DFI’s year-round labs, showcasing the institute’s long-term commitment to supporting talent.Participants receive personalized consultations from renowned mentors such as Elia Suleiman, Rithy Panh, Tala Hadid, and Kamal Aljafari. Esteemed consultants include Brigid O’Shea and Sebastián Sepúlveda, while specialists focus on series and short-form content.This year’s Qumra Masters, including Lav Diaz, Walter Salles, Darius Khondji, and Johnnie To, offer masterclasses and mentorship, sharing decades of experience.The event also draws key industry stakeholders, including production companies, film festivals, and streaming platforms, who provide feedback, strategic advice, and support for project development.In addition to mentorship, Qumra offers professional activities such as matchmaking sessions, masterclasses, project pitching, and public screenings at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium, facilitating connections between filmmakers and diverse audiences. (ICE Doha)

Fonte notizia: DOHA NEWS