DFI to Showcase British Classics at Museum of Islamic Art

Doha, February 6 (QNA) - The premiere of British classic film 'The Red Shoes' at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) on February 28 will launch Doha Film Institute's (DFI) year round public film screenings in celebration of Qatar-UK 2013. The partnership is between the British Council and the Qatar Museums Authority to celebrate Qatar UK 2013, the DFI said in a press release issued here on Wednesday. Academy Award winner, 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, as well as one of the most glorious Technicolor feasts ever created. The acclaimed classic has been restored for new generations to experience and lives on as an enthralling tribute to the life of the artist and a milestone work of British cinema. The DFI-UK Cinema Showcase at the MIA Auditorium will be a series of monthly screenings throughout 2013 celebrating the power of classic and contemporary films from the British canon. Throughout the year certain screenings within the showcase will be attended by British filmmaking talent, and since Qatar-UK 2013 is a reciprocal initiative, DFI will also create a series of opportunities to bring 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. Commenting on the film series, DFI CEO Abdulaziz Al Khater 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." British Council Director Martin Hope 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. We look forward to working with DFI and to promoting mutual awareness between our two nations." Commenting on the importance of the programme QMA Strategic Cultural Relations Director Miguel Blanco said, , said, "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." There will be three screenings of 'The Red Shoes' at the MIA Auditorium. The opening night will take place from 6 pm on February 28 with the screening at 7:30pm. The other screenings will take place on March 1 at 4 pm and at 7pm. The DFI UK Cinema Showcase will run monthly until Fall 2013 as part of Qatar-UK 2013 and will also be featuring screenings of Shallow Grave (1994; Director Danny Boyle), Kes (1969; Director Ken Loach) and The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957; Director David Lean). (QNA)