DOHA: The restored version of the British classic The Red Shoes (1948; dir. Powell & Pressburger) will be screened at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Auditorium on February 28 as part of Qatar-UK 2013 celebrations.
The public screening, which marks the opening of Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) year round UK Cinema Showcase, will also witness the Qatar premiere of the movie.
In partnership with the British Council and QMA, the monthly screenings celebrate the power of classic and contemporary films from the British canon.
Certain screenings within the showcase will be attended by British filmmaking talent.
Since Qatar-UK 2013 is a reciprocal initiative, DFI will also take Arab and more specifically, Qatari filmmaking talent, to the UK. This celebration of UK film culture will culminate in a special section of programming at the 2013 Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
Academy Award winner for Best Art Direction and Best Music, The Red Shoes, is the classic tale of a young ballerina torn between her art and her romance with a young composer. Created by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, it is the quintessential backstage drama and dance film and one of the most glorious technicolor feasts ever created. The beloved classic has been restored for new generations to experience the enthralling tribute to the life of the artist and a milestone work of British cinema.
As well as the many nominations and awards bestowed upon the film, The Red Shoes is rated in the top 100 list of British films by the British Film Institute.
Abdulaziz Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer, DFI, said: “The Qatar-UK initiative is an exciting opportunity for us to celebrate the breadth and quality of British filmmaking with local audiences. There is clearly a demand for great films that showcase the best in international cinema and enhance film appreciation here in Doha.”
Martin Hope, Director of the British Council, said: “We are delighted to be involved in developing the programme and to have some of our most celebrated films shown and appreciated by the people of Qatar. This reciprocal initiative will see films from the Arab world and Qatar screened in the UK, providing new insights into regional filmmaking for UK audiences.”
“Qatar UK 2013 aims to celebrate our two nations through the shared love of arts and culture. The showcase of British filmmaking at the Museum of Islamic Art is an excellent example of the exiting world-class events that will take place in Qatar and across the UK during the year,” said Miguel Blanco, Director of Strategic Cultural Relations, Qatar Museum Authority.
There will be three screenings of The Red Shoes at the MIA Auditorium. The opening night will take place from 6pm on February 28 with the screening at 7.30pm. The other screenings will take place on March 1 at 4pm and at 7pm.
Tickets are now on sale at www.dohafilminstitute.com and starting Saturday, February 23, at the MIA DFI Ticket Outlet. Tickets are priced at QR35 for general public and QR25 for students.
The DFI UK Cinema Showcase which will run monthly until Fall 2013 will also be featuring Shallow Grave (1994; dir. Danny Boyle), Kes (1969; dir. Ken Loach) and The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957; dir. David Lean).
The Peninsula
