Doha: The 11th Qumra, Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) renowned talent incubator for Arab and international cinema, concluded Wednesday with the participation of over 250 film experts from 50 countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the final Masterclass at Qumra featured Johnnie To, a highly influential filmmaker from Hong Kong, who emphasized the importance of ongoing evolution and international collaboration in the film industry. He highlighted the opportunities present in Doha, stating that filmmakers must adapt to changing times to witness new developments in cinema. Johnnie To was particularly impressed by a project from a Qatari director, which he believes exemplifies how filmmakers can evolve into world-class directors given the right opportunities.
Johnnie To also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, asserting that despite technological advancements, the significance of content creators will endure. He encouraged young directors to expand their perspectives by exploring global film markets, including Asia and the Middle East, where remarkable work is being done. Throughout the event, approximately 700 meetings took place, with experts overseeing 49 projects from over 20 countries. This included 18 projects by Qatari directors and residents, showcasing the robust growth of Qatar’s film ecosystem.