QNA
Doha
The Doha Film Institute on Tuesday opened a fascinating multimedia exhibition, Intaj, that traces the remarkable history of Qatar's film, television, and theatres. It will run from November 8, 2022, to January 22, 2023, at Sikkat Wadi Msheireb as part of the Doha Film Experience activities, in conjunction with Qatar's organization of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Notable guests in attendance at the opening included HE Chairperson of Doha Film Institute (DFI) Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE CEO of Qatar Media Corporation Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Thani Al-Thani, HE State Minister and President of Qatar National Library Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, HE Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Hassan Al Thawadi, and several senior figures and officials.
Intaj, curated by Sheikh Khalifa Abdulla Al-Thani, is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Msheireb Properties and Qatar Museums, with the Qatar Media Corporation as Media Partner.
Chief Executive Office of the Doha Film Institute Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "Intaj is a glowing tribute to our nation's heritage and legacy in theatre, television and cinema, each with its own unique niche that has contributed to Qatar's global position as a centre of cultural excellence. Together with various other art forms, they are the beating heart of our nation's rich identity, which we proudly share with the world during the Doha Film Experience and beyond. Intaj will showcase exceptionally talented multidisciplinary artists that highlight our nation not only as a world-class destination for sports but for creative inspiration as well." The opening gallery at Intaj, Taking Centre Stage, highlights the dramatic rise of theatre in the country. From its humble beginnings in schools and social clubs, the contemporary theatre scene gained traction with the founding of the Qatar Theatrical Troupe in 1972, and the Al Sadd Theatrical Troupe a year later.
As the art form progressed and gained popularity, two additional troupes were formed the Lights Theatrical Troupe and Folk Theatrical Troupe.
In 1994, these four acclaimed organizations amalgamated into the two we recognize and celebrate today the Qatari Theatrical Troupe and the Doha Theatrical Troupe. Since then, Qatar has gone on to build the noble Qatar National Theater, which opened its doors in 1986 and the impressive Qatar National Convention Centre in 2011, with its 2,300-seat theatre.
Tuned In, celebrates Qatar's globally acclaimed television industry at Intajs second gallery. Since the founding of the ever-popular national public service channel Qatar Television in August 1970, the national TV scene has scaled to new heights. An invaluable voice for the nation, Qatar TV has become a long-standing and reliable source of information for the people of Qatar through news bulletins and political, economic, religious, cultural, sports, scientific and medical programs.
During its celebrated five decades in operation, Qatar TV has launched the careers of countless directors, reporters, actors and other television industry professionals. The station provides media and journalism students with invaluable insights and experience in broadcasting and was one of the first Arab channels to include fully modern devices and equipment. As vital today as ever, Qatar TV continues to tirelessly promote Qatar's cultural values and raise awareness of important issues.
The third gallery shines the spotlight on Qatar's rich cinematic history with A Focus on Filmmaking, beginning with modest 16mm film theatres in the 1950s. As popularity grew with local audiences, venues began opening throughout the country, resulting in the formation of the Qatar Cinema Company in 1970.
The nation's film production industry took its first tentative steps in 1975 when Qatar TV began making short documentaries.
The art form grew into today's thriving cinema industry. In 2010, HE Sheikha Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani founded the Doha Film Institute (DFI) to support the continued growth of the Qatari and regional film community through funding, training and international networking opportunities for content creators in the Arab world and beyond.
To date, the Institute has supported over 750 projects from over 75 countries and is the first Arab organization to receive 10 Oscar nominations in seven consecutive years for its supported films.
Flowing through explorations of each art form's development and influences on contemporary culture, the Intaj journey presents inspiring works from local multidisciplinary artists including Hamida Issa, Mohammed Al Hamadi, Maryam Faraj Al Suwaidi, Amna Al Baker, Noor Al Naser, and Rawda Al-Thani, among others in The Interactive Age of Storytellers gallery. The journey concludes with a retrospective of world cinematic history with the Qatar Museums gallery, The Story of Cinema and a cinematographic wall featuring contributions from Qatar's creative community.
Celebrating the very best in Qatari and Arabic filmmaking, creativity and art, the Doha Film Experience will expand this year's amazing celebrations with an extensive program of unmissable screenings, a captivating multimedia exhibition, Qatar's largest pop culture event Geekdom and a slate of exciting live concerts with Ajyal Tunes.