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In partnership with Qatar Museums Authority to celebrate Qatar Brazil 2014

Doha, Qatar; January 27, 2014 – Doha Film Institute’s year round film series continues with a special programme of films to celebrate the Year of Culture Qatar Brazil 2014. The series will open with the Gulf Premiere of Walter Salles’ ‘Central Station’ (1998) at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), on Thursday, January 30th and Friday 31st at 7pm.

Following the success of Qatar Japan 2012 and Qatar UK 2013, the Doha Film Institute in partnership with the Qatar Museums Authority, will present the Qatar Brazil 2014 Cinema Showcase, a series of monthly screenings throughout 2014, taking place on the last weekend of each month at the MIA Auditorium.

The initiative will present a selection of exceptional classic and contemporary films that highlight the rich diversity of Brazil’s cinematic history and bring audiences unforgettable works from internationally renowned directors.

‘Central Station’ follows Dora, a jaded retiree, who writes letters for the illiterate at Rio de Janeiro’s Central Station. When a terrible accident befalls one of her customers, Dora’s life is dramatically changed as she takes nine-year-old Josue under her wing and accompanies him on the search for his long-lost father. This beloved multi-award-winning film is a moving tale of the harshness of life and the kindness of the human heart.

Walter Salles’ ‘Central Station’ (1998) won the coveted Golden Bear for Best Film at the 1998 Berlin International Film Festival where it had its world premiere, as well as numerous other international prizes including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. Other significant films from his filmography include ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’(2004), a biopic about the celebrated Latin American revolutionary Che Guevara; the Hollywood remake of Japanese horror flick ‘Dark Water’ (2005); and 2012’s ‘On the Road’, based on the celebrated book by Jack Kerouac.

Mr Abdulaziz Al-Khater, Chief Executive Officer, Doha Film Institute, said: “We have had a very successful couple of years with Qatar Japan 2012 and Qatar UK 2013 and it’s exciting to continue the cultural journey with Brazil in 2014. Through cinema, we learn so much about other cultures and the world around us. We are delighted to take local audiences on a journey into Brazilian culture through the eyes of some of its most acclaimed filmmakers and to continue to build on our aim to enhance film appreciation in the community.”

An official at the Office of Strategic Cultural Relations with Qatar Museums Authority had the following to share: “Following the successful Years of Culture Qatar Japan 2012 and Qatar UK 2013, the Office of Strategic Cultural Relations at Qatar Museums Authority and the Doha Film Institute are looking forward to celebrate the Year of Culture Qatar Brazil 2014 with a selection of inspirational films to be showcased periodically throughout the year at the Museum of Islamic Art and premiering with Walter Salles’s ‘Central Station’ on Thursday, January 30th and Friday, January 31st at 7pm.”

There will be two screenings of ‘Central Station’ at the MIA Auditorium. The opening night will take place from 6pm on Thursday, January 30th with a welcome reception preceding the screening at 7:00pm. The second screening will take place on Friday, January 31st at 7:00pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.dohafilminstitute.com and at the MIA DFI Ticket Outlet*. Tickets are priced at QAR 35 for general public and a special discounted rate of QAR 25 for students.

For more information, please visit www.dohafilminstitute.com and look out for the next installment of screenings for the coming months.