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Panels, Masterclasses and ‘In Conversation’ Sessions to Offer Diverse Insights into the Crafts of Acting, Filmmaking and Film Composition

Doha, October 11, 2011 – The 2011 Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) is set to host the third ‘Doha Talks’, a series of nine panels, masterclasses and in conversation events. The eclectic Program, curated by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), will feature industry notorieties and up-and-comers from across the Globe, in an interactive environment designed to facilitate collaboration, dialogue and exchange between local, regional and international delegates.

The four day series will see an impressive lineup of high-profile speakers share their experiences, stories, and knowledge with aspiring filmmakers, industry guests and public audiences, discussing current trends in the global and regional film businesses, and providing unique and introspective insights into their lives, careers and creative processes.

Participants include: globally recognised actor-director Antonio Banderas (Black Gold, Cat in Boots (Puss in Boots), The Mask of Zorro); legendary film composer James Horner (Black Gold, Avatar, Titanic); Senior visual effects master and Director of WETA Digital Joe Letteri (The Adventures of Tintin, Avatar, The Lord of the Rings); internationally renowned French auteur Luc Besson (The Lady, The Fifth Element, Le Grand Bleu) Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan’s Hope Supersize Me, 30 Days); prolific master cinematographer, Christopher Doyle (Tormented, Hero, In the Mood for Love); critically acclaimed Lebanese director-actor Nadine Labaki; (Where Do We Go Now?, Caramel) and award-winning British-Indian filmmaker Asif Kapadia (Senna, The Warrior, The Sheep Thief).

‘Doha Talks’ 2011 will kick off October 26 with a discussion centered on Jean Jacques Annaud’s upcoming Arabian film epic Black Gold, which will be accompanied by a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the film, shot on-ground in Tunisia and Qatar during the Arab Spring. The session will see the film’s director, producer and cast explore the practical and creative aspects entailed in the film’s production, including the process of capturing the spectacular Qatari desert landscapes on film for the very first time. The session will also feature Oscar-winning composer James Horner speaking about his collaborations with some of the region’s budding talents, including Qatari singer, Fahad Al Kubaisi, to create an international film score.

A second ‘Doha Talks’ event will follow on October 26 in the form of a panel discussion with documentary filmmaker Asif Kapadia, whose latest film Senna, a masterful and touching retrospective look at the life and tragic death of Formula One race car driver Ayrton Senna, has recently reinvigorated the documentary genre.

On October 27, the world of visual effects will be in focus as multi Oscar-winning visual effects artist, Joe Letteri, presents audiences with a world first glimpse at footage from Steven Spielberg’s and Peter Jackson’s highly anticipated feature film The Adventures of Tintin.

October 27 will also see five of World Cinema’s leading ladies spearhead ‘SHE is Film’, an all-female panel focusing on the underrepresentation of women within the global filmmaking industry. Rising directorial forces Nadine Labaki (Where Do We Go Now?, Caramel) and Yasemin Şamdereli (Almanya – Welcome To Germany) will be joined by seasoned Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha (Red Satin); Chinese producer and former Cannes juror, Nansun Shi; and Golden Bear-winning director and DTFF 2011 juror, Jasmila Zbanic (Na putu, Grbavica), to discuss why there is a lack of women at the top of the filmmaking business and how a new generation of female filmmakers are working to shift the “boys club” paradigm.

On October 28th, audiences will have the chance to join two ‘In Conversation’ sessions: the first with beloved international movie star actor Antonio Banderas (Black Gold, Cat in Boots (Puss in Boots), The Mask of Zorro); and the second with Oscar-nominated director Morgan Spurlock (Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan’s Hope Supersize Me). Banderas will discuss his works, craft and collaboration with renowned directors – from Pedro Almodovar (The Skin I Live In) to Jean-Jacques Annaud (Black Gold), while Spurlock will focus on the craft of documentary filmmaking, specifically addressing the transformative power of the documentary genre.

On October 29th acclaimed international filmmaker Luc Besson will conduct a masterclass, focusing on the role and portrayal of women within his films. Besson is widely regarded as one of the most successful and entrepreneurial practitioners in the film industry today, having written, produced and directed more than 100 films. The series will round out that same day with a panel discussion on authentic Khaleeji storytelling, moderated by Kuwaiti actor, comedian and TV presenter Dawood Hussain. The panel will discuss how audiences beyond the local are increasingly developing an appetite for Gulf storylines – from the online sphere to the big screen, and how local talents can meet such demands whilst retaining their artistic authenticity.

‘Doha Talks’ 2011 will also include an interactive masterclass with multi-award winning cinematographer, Christopher Doyle (Tormented, Hero, In the Mood for Love). The discussion, open to young aspirant filmmakers, will incorporate clips from Doyle’s previous works, and focus on his journey into the film business as well as his creative process and approach.

Commenting on the 2011 edition of ‘Doha Talks’, Executive Director of DFI, Amanda Palmer, said: “This year we’ve aimed to curate a set of talks that are relevant to this region – focusing on themes and speakers that we truly believe will resonate with local audiences, but that will also foster interactions and insights to push this burgeoning industry even further forward. We are offering regional filmmakers and local audiences some really exciting opportunities to get some exclusive looks at the film industry, and exchange their ideas and opinions.”

She added: “The sheer range of filmmaking talent – from actors and directors to producers and film composers should provide a dynamic four days of truly interesting, informative and entertaining discussions. I look forward to welcoming them all to DTFF and thank them for generously sharing their experience and expertise with us.”

‘Doha Talks’ will run October 26-29 at Katara Cultural Village. Tickets for ‘Doha Talks’ are priced at QAR 30 for individual events with a Doha Talks Club Card available for QAR 100. The Doha Talks Club Card entitles buyers access to all Doha Talks events including panels, masterclasses, and in conversation sessions. ‘Doha Talks’ tickets are discounted for all students on presentation of a valid ID. Student tickets are QAR 20 for individual events and QAR 75 for DFI Talks Club Card. Tickets will also be available from October 12 at public box offices located at: DFI Villagio Lounge; DFI City Center Lounge; and DFI Festival Office (Building 26) – Katara Cultural Village. Tickets are also purchasable 24 hours a day at www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival.

About Doha Film Institute (DFI):

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is an independent cultural organisation established in 2010 to incorporate Qatar’s film initiatives under one banner.

Located at Qatar’s new cultural hub, Katara, DFI’s many initiatives include film and television funding for MENA and international films, year-round education programs, film screenings, and the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF).

In addition, DFI has established a number of strategic cultural partnerships with leading local and international organisations including Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Tribeca Enterprises, World Cinema Foundation, Maisha Film Labs and Giffoni Film Festival.

DFI was founded by H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Along with Her Excellency, DFI leadership comprises DFI Board Vice-Chair and Festival Board Chair, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahad Al-Thani; DFI Board Member and Festival Board Vice-Chair, H.E. Dr. Hassan Al-Nimah; DFI Board Member, Mr. Mansoor Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud; Festival Board Member, H.E. Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousuf Al Thani; and DFI Executive Director, Amanda Palmer.