The Evolution of a Storyteller with Noor Al-Nasr
In our sixth episode of The Ajyal Show, we delve into the inspiring journey of Noor Al-Nasr, a dynamic Qatari filmmaker who has navigated her way from a love of storytelling to becoming an award-winning director. Noor shares her early fascination with stories, from creating games with her family to devouring books in her school library. Her transition from graphic design and photography to filmmaking was ignited by her desire to bring stories to life on screen—a passion that was further fuelled by the establishment of the Doha Film Institute (DFI).
Noor discusses her path to finding her unique voice in filmmaking, a process that involved many workshops, continuous learning, and a dedication to understanding the craft. She reflects on her experiences with different film genres, her preference for meaningful stories over commercial blockbusters, and the balance between entertainment and conveying a message.
Throughout the episode, Noor emphasises the collaborative nature of filmmaking, sharing insights into her latest film, 'Sanad', which explores the bonds between siblings and friends. She credits her success to the actors and crew, who helped bring their own perspectives to the project. She also touches on the challenges and rewards of filmmaking, the evolving film scene in Doha, and her hopes for representing Qatari culture through her work.
Noor highlights the significance of 'Made in Qatar' films, viewing them as a crucial stepping stone for local filmmakers. These films not only portray Qatari culture and childhood memories but also spark meaningful dialogues about the past, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive film industry.
Join us for an engaging conversation with Noor, where we uncover the journey, struggles, and triumphs of a filmmaker dedicated to storytelling and cultural representation.
More About Our Guest Noor Al-Nasr
Noor Al-Nasr is a Qatari filmmaker who obtained her bachelor’s in Graphic Design at VCUQ and MA at SCAD University in Atlanta, GA. She has always been interested in art and has participated in numerous exhibitions focusing on storytelling and filmmaking. Her shorts were part of many editions of the Ajyal Film Festival in Doha and the Cannes Film Festival in 2015 and 2016. ‘Sanad’, which she wrote and directed, is her latest work.