Jacques Tati
DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI), with support from the French embassy and Institut Français du Qatar, is celebrating the legacy of French comedian-auteur Jacques Tati with a special showcase of four of his films.
Taking place this month during the worldwide celebration of Francophone Week, and as part of the Katara-DFI Cinema Series, the institute will showcase the digitally restored films — to be shown in the Gulf for the first time.
The showcase includes Jour de fête (1949), M. Hulot’s Holiday (1954), Mon oncle (1958), and Playtime (1967). The films will be screened at Katara Drama Theatre from March 17 to 20 at 7.30pm.
Tati’s style of filmmaking was distinct and his films are considered classics. He garnered global acclaim, with Mon oncle scooping the Cannes Jury Prize and Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1958.
During his career, Tati worked as an actor, writer and director, and is best-known for his trademark slapstick comedy and gentle critique of the modern world.
French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jean-Christophe Peaucelle will attend the official opening of the showcase featuring Jour de fête on March 17.
“Tati is a cultural icon of France and his comedic critique of life in the modern world is as amusing and relevant today as it was when the films were made.
“I am delighted that local audiences will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Tati’s films on the big screen during the Semaine de la Francophonie and I look forward to sharing this piece of cinematic history with our Doha community,” he said.
A special screening of Playtime will be held for school students at 10am on March 20.
Ludmila Cvikova, Head of Film Programming, DFI, said: “We are proud to provide our audiences in Qatar with the opportunity to experience the work of beloved French director Tati. He is a master of visual comedy whose meticulous approach to slapstick has been celebrated for more than 50 years. Whether seeing Tati’s films for the first time, reliving cherished moments of humour, or introducing youngsters to some of the best comedy world cinema has to offer, I am certain our local audiences will find the Tati experience one to remember.”
Tickets for single screenings are QR35 per person and QR25 per student. A special Tati ticket package is available for QR80 which grants the buyer one ticket to each of the four screenings in the series.The Peninsula
