Tunisian director and actress Afef Ben Mahmoud will lead a ‘youth acting workshop’ for young film enthusiasts aged eight to 17 until November 23, the Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced.
“Our young people are at the heart of everything we do at DFI. From hosting a dedicated film event for youth to hosting creative workshops, we are focused on nurturing their skills,” DFI CEO Fatma al-Remaihi said in a press statement.
The workshop will open doors for young talents to understand the nuances of acting and learn the art of improvisation, she stressed, adding that this will help the participants not just in their creative pursuits but also to evolve as confident individuals.
The core of DFI’s workshop is to teach acting through the power of improvisation that encourages students to perform in public without a predefined text or prior direction, according to al-Remaihi. She noted that improvisation will help develop creativity and listening skills, as well as make the participants conscious of the body and its movements.
The first half hour of the session is dedicated to body work, relaxation and breathing. The rest of the session focuses on individual and group improvisation exercises.
Under the mentorship of Mahmoud, the participants will be trained in two groups: 8 to 12 years, and 13 to 17 years. There will be two sessions every week of two-hour duration each on Monday and Wednesdays with a participation fee of QR1,000.
Mahmoud began an artistic career at the age of 12 when she joined theatre clubs and went on to win the first Best Comedian Award in Tunisia. Her television series credits include Ya Zahratan Fi Khayali, Sayd El Rim and Maktoub, among others.  
She had her first big-screen role in Jilani Saadi’s Khorma, and played the lead in Ibrahim Letaief’s Flous Academy and Nouri Bouzid’s Making Off, which won awards at several international film festivals. She has directed three short narrative films and a documentary, and is currently developing her first feature-length film, Backstage.
DFI said those interested in participating in the workshop can e-mail youth@dohafilminstitute.com for more details. Seats are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.