Doha is making new strides in “reel life” as upcoming national filmmakers embark on an initiative to learn the art of filmmaking.

Using Doha as a backdrop, a team of Qatari nationals is learning the art of filmmaking, thanks to Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF).

“Nothing like this has ever happened in Qatar,” said Amanda Palmer, DTFF’s Executive Director.

“We have set out to find stories here, and the only way to draw those stories out is to engage people living here in filmmaking. The enthusiasm and creativity this activity has generated in just five days’ time bodes well for the future of cinema in Qatar,” she said.

Under the tutelage of award-winning filmmaker Scandar Copti, DTFF’s Community Outreach Programmer, the group wrote, directed and produced original short films.

“To make a film, even for one minute, you need people, cameras, sound equipment, and most of all, a good story,” said Copti.

The group was charged with creating a one-minute film based on their original story. To get the process started, Copti advised his students to draw on their own life experience. “Keep it simple and realistic,” he told them. “Each piece needs to have a purpose.”

One participating filmmaker created a brief but impactful horror feature. A second looked at the impact of technology and communication on Qatari life. A third created a vignette around a Qatari family at home.

Now comes the real work for these young directors – the final edit.

After writing their scripts and shooting their scenes, the workshop participants are sequestering themselves in editing suites to produce final, audience-worthy versions of their one-minute films. “Filmmaking requires total dedication,” said Copti.

“You have to be very passionate about it.”

“I will never look at a 90-minute movie the same way again,” said Fatma Alremaihi, a participant. “Prior to this experience, I never thought I would make a movie. Now I have a greater understanding of everything from correct lighting to camera angles.”

Alremaihi, who cast her five-year-old son Saeed in her brief film on family interaction, added: “Now my son wants to make movies, too.”

Noora Almeadadi, a one-minute filmmaker, finished the experience eager to make more movies as well.

She said, “The experience was challenging but enriching. I hope to have another chance to produce a longer length feature film in future, using the skills I have learnt with the DTFF team.”

Following the success of the first one-minute film experiment, the team at DTFF are planning more seminars.

The next five-day workshop, covering screenplay writing, filming, producing and editing, is to follow soon. To participate in the next “1-Minute Film” workshop, candidates are being asked to submit their film ideas to nmdtff@gmail.com.

“Every film must be screened,” said Palmer.

“Movies are made to be seen.” The DTFF plans to host a private showing of the films later this month.

The “1-Minute Films” series will be an ongoing outreach programme by DTFF to encourage interest in cinema, and contribute to the development of a film industry in Qatar.

The DTFF will run from October 29 to November 1, 2009 and is being produced by the Qatar Museums Authority in collaboration with the Tribeca Film Festival.

It will include about 30 films as well as special events. In its four days in Doha, DTFF will showcase its events around the city’s Museum of Islamic Art.

The festival is modelled on the success of Tribeca Film Festival’s dedication to engage the community and promote filmmaking talent.

In its inaugural year, Doha’s film festival will celebrate the best of Arabic and international cinema.

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