Doha Film Institute: Explore The Magical World Of Filmmaking

The entertainment industry has a huge role to play anywhere around the world and Qatar's capital city Doha is regarded as an entertainment film hub in the region. Home to the widely renowned Doha Film Institute that has the culture, community, education, and entertainment in its foundation, the city continues to change hearts and minds.

So, are you someone who believes in the motto of "Film Is Life"? Well, cling on with us as we take you through the forte of Doha Film Institute in achieving the finest standards of film-making.

The Mission Of Doha Film Institute

One of the finest film institutes in the region, the Doha Film Institute remains dedicated to film appreciation, education, and building a dynamic industry in the country that changes the hearts of people for good. The aim of the institute is to nurture the regional talent present in the country and encourage the storytellers to share their tales with the world. Interestingly, even though the institute focuses on regional storytellers, the scope is entirely global.

The DFI Mission -

While being one of the most important institutes for the development of regional storytellers in the country, the institute of Doha Films has a mission which is to create original and compelling multi-platform content. This includes the production of film, commercials, television, and online videos.

Film Funding By DFI Qatar

Supporting filmmakers in the country and around the world has always been the primary aim of the Doha Film Institute and the idea behind this is to create a sustainable film financing model in Qatar. By providing creative and financial assistance to the emerging voices of filmmaking in Qatar, the institute goes a step further in helping stories transform into viable film content.

Besides, here's what you need to know about the Doha Film Institute Grants Programme.

Doha Film Institute Grants Programme

Providing development, production, and post production funding to filmmakers in Qatar, the DFI Grants Programme supports the emerging voices in the region. Here are some of the things that the program offers -

1. Helps seek out original voices in films.
2. Including the majority of its alumni, the institute develops a community of filmmakers.
3. Cross-pollination is a significant part of film-making and the DFI heavily promotes that. The program gives a chance to artists to interact amongst themselves.
4. Creative development support is offered to filmmakers through the life cycle of films.

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Doha Film Institute Co-Financing

Now here's a thing, the Doha Film Institute also invests in film production through strategic partnerships. There are multiple film projects that the institute partners with. But hang on, there's a catch. In order to come in a partnership with the DFI, the film projects should be culturally relevant and commercially viable. Besides, here what's the partnership offers -

1. Encourage opportunities for co-production between Qatar-based and international filmmakers.
2. Training and internship opportunities are provided at all stages of production to the filmmakers in the country.
3. Opportunities of development and collaboration are equally provided which further strengthen the film-making community in the region.

Workshops & Labs With Doha Film Institute

There are many training and development initiatives that the DFI offers to filmmakers in order to nurture them. These initiatives are offered through two parallel streams that provide opportunities for skill-sharing, feedback, and even mentorship.

Here are some of the things that you need to know.

1. There are a series of discussions and practical exercises that filmmakers get to indulge in during the different workshops and labs.
2. One can delve into personal introspection or explore the different approaches to visual writing.
3. Film analysis and tangible knowledge of all areas in the filmmaking process are given.

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Youth Programmes With Doha Film Institute

One of the key things to note about the Doha Film Institute is the fact that youth programs are an absolute treat here. The two-year youth programs here are specially designed to hone the skills and confidence of young people. All budding filmmakers can get loads of opportunities to learn and harness their filmmaking skills and tell their stories in their own creative way. With lively discussions that offer a chance to the students to speak up and share their creative views, the institute takes due care of the development of every budding filmmaker.

Youth Summer Camp

The summer camp with DFI is nothing short of a treat for kids between the age of 8 - 17 years. There are a series of online workshops and mentorship programs offered to students. The main focus, in this case, is to nurture storytelling kids through personalized projects. This eventually enhances their creativity and critical thinking.

The best part? Each workshop is undertaken by an acclaimed artist and filmmaker and most of the workshops are centered on the philosophy of active learning. So, if you think your little one should be part of this amazing workshop, make sure to check out the official website of DFI or drop in a mail to the institute for more information.

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Ajyal Film Club

An initiative that takes place every month, the Ajyal Film Club is offered free of charge and run by Ajyal jurors. The festival is a great initiative and continues to inspire young people through diverse types of thought-provoking films.

Wondering how it works? Well, the ones attending the club are suggested are a range of compelling movies from popular platforms. These movies are to be watched by each club member, post which, a virtual meeting is held where members discuss everything about the films. From its plot to cinematography, broader issues that the film covers, the history of cinema, and multiple filmmaking techniques, there's a lot to look forward to.

In fact, the Ajyal Film Club welcomes guests from time to time while each session here is focused on a new topic. So, even if you've missed the last sessions, don't worry as there's always a new topic up for discussion.

Different Workshops To Watch Out For With DFI

One of the finest places to visit in Qatar if exciting workshops are on your mind, the Doha Film Institute offers a number of summer workshops to its visitors. The idea is to keep the spirit of DFI and Ajyal Film Festival high. Besides, here's what you need to know about the different workshops.

Silhouette Animation

Perfect for beginners, the Silhouette Animation workshop introduces participants to the basics of silhouette animation techniques. Students taking part in this workshop get to engage in a variety of interactive exercises. These exercises help students build up their imagination, come up with an idea, build their story and characters in order to finally create a short silhouette animated film. Usually, each student gets to create a one-minute animated film.

While giving a hands-on introduction to students about the different techniques of creating silhouette animated films, the workshop offers the following opportunities.

1. During the whole workshop, the participants will get to produce a slow-motion silhouette animated film while they can learn the different tricks and techniques associated with silhouette animated films.
2. The workshop introduces participants to the various types of slow-motion techniques.
3. One can dig deep into the "Three Act" Storytelling formula which helps in generating ideas, developing characters, and creating compelling plots.
4. Perhaps one of the best parts about the Silhouette Animation workshop is the fact that students get to contribute to making a short animated film at the end of the workshop, giving them practical knowledge of how things are done.

Age Group - 13 - 17 years old

Perfect For - Beginners

Price - QAR 450

Dates - 1st - 13th August 2021

Timings - 5 PM to 7 PM

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Express Yourself Through Digital Art Workshop

Another workshop that is rewarding and fascinating at the same time is the one that takes participants on their personal narrative journey. One can learn to explore innermost emotions, thoughts, and feelings in order to visualize them through digital art.

In fact, the carefully tailored exercises and activities help students to understand themselves better and express their thoughts artistically. By following this approach, the mentors leave no scope for any kind of mistake in the workshop.

Besides, here are some of the things that one can expect with this workshop -

1. One of the most vital parts of the workshop is the first part. This is when the participants uncover their stories and individuality. The idea behind this approach is to learn what the participants want to say with the work and to opt for a theme.
2. The second part of the workshop is when the practical part begins. This is when participants learn to draw, illustrate, layer images, scan notes, and much more. However, in order to be part of this, every participant needs to have an iPod Pro or similar program.

The below mentioned are the requirements for actively participating in the second stage of the workshop -

1. An iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Procreate App (USD 10)
2. An iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Adobe Photoshop Sketch App (Free)
3. A Laptop with Adobe Photoshop

Age Group - 8 to 12 years old

Perfect For - Beginners

Price - QAR 250

Dates - 7th to 14th August

Timings - 10 PM to 12 PM

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One of the best film institutes in Qatar that is transforming the way the entertainment industry works in the region, the Doha Film Institute is a place where you learn what filmmaking is all about. Not only does the institute fund filmmakers from around the world, but there are also co-financing options and a number of youth programs that are organized here which are an absolute treat for your little ones.

The best about the workshops here is that the mentors follow a hands-on approach and ensure there are no loopholes in the workshops.

So, if you're a budding filmmaker and want to indulge in a whole new world of filmmaking in Qatar, pay a visit to the Doha Film Institute and have your children engage in the most amazing workshops.

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