Made in Qatar Programme will Screen at the Bluecoat Museum Next Saturday

Doha, June 12 (QNA) -As part of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, the Made in Qatar film programme will premiere at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival on Saturday ,15 June at the Bluecoat Museum, UK. The programme will feature a number of short films by young Qatari filmmakers which will be shown continuously from 12pm 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. The Made in Qatar programme shines a spotlight on emerging filmmaking talent in Qatar. The programme showcases films from independent filmmakers and provides a window into the stories of Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar home. 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 mustachioed 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-Jabers creative vision for the future of Qatar. 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 Liverpools deep relations with the Arab world it makes it the perfect location for the UK premier of the showcase," he said. The Made in Qatar programme is part of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture which aims to increase engagement between the people of both countries in the spirit of innovation, openness and learning. Made in Qatar films are being showcased at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival from 12pm to 6pm Saturday 15 June (free admission): Al Muqanaa Directed by Tarek Abu-Esber 6 minutes Ahmed Al-Jaber is a self-confessed artist. The retired policemans art is his collection of intricately decorated cars and motorbikes which are adorned with various items of Arab bling. Al Muqanaa paints an intimate portrait of Ahmed Al-Jaber and gives a name to the mustachioed face that residents of Doha recognize as the man with the crazy cars. This short film tells his story, his relationship with the community and reveals Al-Jabers creative vision for the future of Qatar. Bader Directed by Sara Al-Saadi, Maaria Assami, and Latifa Al-Darwish 10 minutes Known as the trouble maker for locking teachers outside the classroom and ripping up exam papers, Bader struggles to find his place within his circle of friends. He finds a solution to improve through the recitation of poetry. In the midst of the education reforms in Qatar, Bader highlights the story of one young boy and how he has to adapt to these changes and sheds light on the lingering tensions between the Bedouin past and modernisation. His Name Directed by Hend Fakhroo 4 minutes A young Qatari woman talks about her friendship with the man who cleans the streets of her neighbourhood. She discusses how little she knows about his life and the moment she realises she doesnt know his name, even though they have been friends for years. Finally, she decides to take her video camera and sets out to find his name. Bidoon Directed by Mohammed Al-Ibrahim 20 minutes Aziz and Rana are two students at the Qatar Foundation who have a secret relationship. When they decide to take their relationship to the next level, they soon discover that society isnt exactly rooting for them to succeed. Their distant social backgrounds spark resistance from family members and friends. Left with no hope, Aziz decides to find a way to let her go. Omra with Friends Directed by Ibrahim Arar 20 minutes Qatar University students embark on a journey to Mecca and Medina to perform their Omra during Spring Break. Ibrahim Arar brings along his point-and-shoot camera, and captures an authentic story revealing the character, humour and friendships inspired by time-honoured tradition with modern-day twists. New bonds are made on a journey that represents the inner and outer quest for human brotherhood and peace with the Creator. The programme will feature: Hystoria: Directed by Youssef Jabre I: Directed by Ali Al-Anssari Lyrics revolt: Directed by Shannon Farhoud, Ashlene Ramadan, Melanie Fridgant, and Rana Khaled Al Khatib Mutual cultural understanding, prominent Qatari and British composers brought together their music to a full house at Cadogan Hall in London on Monday, 03 June giving a privileged audience the opportunity to hear world premiere performances and enjoy a beautifully varied cultural evening. Barry Wordsworth conducted the evenings special guests: the talented British violinist Chlo? Hanslip and Royal College of Music alumnus and resident of Qatar, pianist Amira Fouad, with percussionist Gary Kettel. The evening included the world premiere of several new pieces of music by the Qatari film music composer Wael Binali and British composer David Heath with two very special pieces dedicated to the Year of Culture: Hope Springs Eternal and Journey to the Oasis, which delighted the exuberant and enthusiastic audience. This year's Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival offers a response as rich and diverse as the region's cultures, and offers a fresh perspective.(QNA)