They include two projects ‘In Competition’, three in ‘Panorama’, one each in the ‘Encounters’ and ‘Generation’ sections.

I didn’t realize the Doha Film Institute had supported as many projects screening in this year’s Berlinale lineup as they did. Seven whole ones, which include one I simply can’t wait to watch — Meryam Joobeur’s long gestating Who Do I Belong To in Competition, as well as personal favorite already Brief History of a Family by Jianjie “JJ” Lin, in Panorama. I can say that about Jianjie’s work because it has already world premiered at this year’s Sundance, so there is no longer an embargo. Both the above titles I helped to mentor in press etiquette last year and am humbly proud as I know they’ll make a splash in Berlin.

The other titles are the Competition project Shambhala, a Nepal, France, Norway, Hong Kong, Turkey, Taiwan, USA, Qatar production, a feature narrative by Min Bahadur Bham; Diaries from Lebanon, a Lebanon, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar production which is a feature documentary by Myriam El Hajj screening in Panorama; also in Panorama is the feature documentary Rising Up at Night from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar and directed by Nelson Makengo; the Encounters world premiere Demba, a Senegal, Germany, Qatar production directed by Mamadou Dia; and rounding out the selection is the debut narrative feature Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story from Madagascar, France, Mauritius, Germany, South Africa, Qatar, helmed by Luck Razanajaona. The latter screens in Generation.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the selection of DFI-supported films at the Berlinale this year, that celebrates independent and art house productions, and often sets new benchmarks that defines contemporary cinema. The diversity of the selection underlines our mandate to support important voices, especially by emerging talents from the region and the world. All seven films stand out for the power of their content and innovation in the filmmakers’ cinematic techniques that will inspire audiences with their riveting narratives of humanity. Through our various initiatives, we continue to support compelling voices and powerful stories that have the potential to shape world cinema.”

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is an independent, not-for-profit cultural organization, that supports the growth of the local film community through cultivating film appreciation, enhancing industry knowledge and contributing to the development of sustainable creative industries in Qatar. 

The Institute’s platforms include funding and production of local, regional and international films; skills-sharing and mentorship programmes; film screenings; the Ajyal Film Festival; and Qumra. With culture, community, learning and entertainment at its foundation, the Institute is committed to supporting Qatar’s 2030 vision for the development of a knowledge-based economy. 

For more info on the DFI check out their website. For the complete Berlinale lineup, click here.

All images courtesy of the DFI, used with permission.