A scene from the film Al Muqanaa to be screened at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival on Saturday.
DOHA: As part of the UK Qatar 2013 Year of Culture, the ‘Made in Qatar’ film programme will premiere at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival on Saturday.
Held at the Bluecoat Museum, the programme will feature a number of short films by young Qatari filmmakers which will be shown continuously from noon to 6pm.
Curated by the Doha Film Institute, the films follow the stories of Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar home, examining social issues such as relationships with communities, friends and partners.
A highlight of the showcase is Al Muqanaa, which provides an intimate portrait of well-known and highly recognised Doha resident Ahmed Al Jaber, the retired policeman and self-confessed artist.
The film gives a name to the moustachioed face that locals had known as ‘the man with the crazy cars’ due to his collection of intricately decorated cars and motorbikes which are adorned with various items of Arab bling. This short film tells his story, his relationship with the community and reveals Al Jaber’s creative vision for the future of Qatar. An image from this film has been provided with this release.
Martin Hope, Director of the British Council in Qatar said, “The ‘Made in Qatar’ film programme provides people with a fascinating snap shot of Qatari life and culture. Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture aims to cultivate mutual recognition, understanding and appreciation of Qatari and British cultures through events like this one that both entertain and educate. The Year also celebrates the strong existing ties between the two countries and given Liverpool’s deep relations with the Arab world it makes it the perfect location for the UK premier of the showcase.”
Other films to be shown at the festival are Bader, His Name, Bidoon and Omra with Friends.
The Peninsula
