The Doha Film Institute (DFI), in partnership with the TorinoFilmLab, will host two script development and screenwriting workshops to mentor local and regional talent, and support the future development of film and creative industries within the Mena region.
The partnership between the two organisations aims at training and for capacity development, and will focus on enhancing script-writing skills and explore the universal appeal of local and regional films.
The programme includes a Short Screenwriting Lab and the Hezayah Screenwriting Lab, to strengthen the individual filmmaker’s personal voice and provide an opportunity to advance professional and creative skills.
Fatma al-Remaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “Our core mandate is to provide a platform for filmmakers in Qatar to grow both artistically and professionally. We do this by showcasing their talent to international industry partners at our film events and by providing relevant and topical professional training to bring out their best work.”
Savina Neirotti, TorinoFilmLab director, added: “TorinoFilmLab focuses on filmmakers, and all of those professionals that help them develop clarity of vision, endurance and strength. Storytelling is at the centre, always. We are pleased to collaborate with DFI that shares many of our goals and are looking forward to work together.”
The Short Screenwriting Lab, a three-week workshop scheduled from January 29 to February 19, will assist new and emerging Qatari screenwriters and writer-directors to develop and write a screenplay from an original idea with the support of international mentors.
The workshop will focus on 12 selected short film projects from local filmmakers in Qatar.  The lab will also comprise seminars and presentations by international experts in the short film industry.
The workshop will be led by Matthieu Darras, head of programmes at TorinoFilmLab and supported by two script consultants, Egyptian filmmaker and academic Ayman El Amir, and Italian story editor and screenwriter Simona Nobile.
The Hezayah Screenwriting Lab, from April 2016 to February 2017, will assist Qatari and regional screenwriters and writer-directors to develop and write a first draft feature-length screenplay from an original idea with the support of two international mentors.  The lab consists of four-day workshops, held periodically over a 10-month period and is open to 12 selected projects.