DFI Cinema presents Emirati filmmaker Humaid Alsuwaidi’s ‘Abdullah’ in Hekayat Khaleejiya series on Jan 26 & 27
Jan 24, 2017
Doha, Qatar; January 23, 2017: As part of its Hekayat Khaleejiya screening series which showcases ‘Stories from the Gulf,’ the Doha Film Institute Cinema (DFI Cinema) will showcase Emirati director Humaid Alsuwaidi’s first feature film Abdullah (UAE/2016/Arabic) on January 26 and 27, at 7.30 PM at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with lead actor Alaa’ Shaker, who will be in attendance at both screenings.
Hekayat Khaleejiya is dedicated to showcasing cinematic voices from the Gulf region, and presents films followed by question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers to gain insight into their work and their creative process.
Abdullah tells the story of an Emirati boy (Abdullah) who develops a fascination for music from an early age, but struggles to hide that over the years from his very conservative family—where many things are forbidden. Alsuwaidi shot the film in the emirates of Ajman, north of UAE, despite all of the difficulties in location and funds. He directed and produced the film with the help of his New York Film Academy (NYFA) alumni, as they have a high standard of understanding the demands of a film production.
Humaid Alsuwaidi is a former Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) Filmmaking student. He studied his first year in Abu Dhabi and moved to Los Angeles to complete his second year of the degree programme.
The DFI Cinema series provides cultural and creative discoveries for audiences in Doha all-year long, making a valuable contribution to the diversity of screen culture in the region. The initiative is aimed at strengthening appreciation for the arts and contributing to the evolution of Qatar’s rich cultural fabric, and offers audiences in Doha a unique opportunity to view films that may not necessarily reach commercial cinemas.
Tickets are priced QAR35; student tickets are priced at QAR25; they must present a valid ID to receive the discount. Tickets can be purchased from the Museum of Islamic Art DFI Box Office or online at www.dohafilminstitute.com