DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI) has launched Hazawi Fund, a new initiative under its Gulf Film Development programme, to promote film production in Qatar and the Gulf region.
The initiative will see production of up to six high quality short films written and directed by Qatari and Gulf filmmakers annually.
Each project should be filmed entirely in Qatar and will be allocated a budget of up to QR250,000. The films to be produced will have the opportunity to premiere at the next edition of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival and will also be submitted for regional and international festivals.
Mahdi Ali Ali, Manager of the Gulf Film Development, said the Hazawi Fund builds on the core commitment of DFI to promote the growth of the regional film industry.
“With a number of talented youngsters stepping into the film industry, Khaleeji cinema is fast gaining ground. They need tangible support — both in terms of financing and mentoring. Hazawi Fund is dedicated to help identify emerging talent from the Gulf region and further support them to make compelling short films under DFI’s supervision,” said Ali.
One of the requirements for applicants is they should be either a director or producer of the film project, and a GCC national.
The DFI will appoint a GCC national producer to a project that has been selected without a producer.
Scripts must be original and should not be longer than 10 pages and the films must not be more than 10 minutes. The selected project must be completed in 10 weeks, with three weeks for pre-production, one week for shooting and six weeks for post-production.
All equipment will be provided by DFI, along with other technical and production support. DFI will provide mentorship for the key creative crew.
Submissions to the Hazawi Fund will be open until March 1 this year. The selected projects will be notified by March 15. Applicants may visit www.dohafilminstitute.com for more details. The Peninsula
