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October 19, 2010 (Doha, Qatar): The second annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) will host Doha Talks, a series of Panels, Masterclass, Sideview and Industry events aimed at fostering greater collaboration and dialogue between local, regional and international delegates. The sessions, featuring various industry professionals, allow them to share their experience and knowledge with aspiring filmmakers and general audiences and discuss current trends in the global and regional film business.

DFI Executive Director Amanda Palmer said: “Doha Talks offers a rare opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to interact with industry veterans, exchange ideas and form prospective partnerships. Every event from Rachid Bouchareb’s Masterclass to the screening of DFI’s One-Minute Films will be an opportunity to engage the local community and share more concepts around storytelling.” Palmer continued, “Fresh from the set of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, Matt Aitken will highlight new special effects techniques used in film production today. We are equally looking forward to the Emerging Actors, Emerging Stars Panel that will give 2 local actors a role in Jean-Jacques Annaud’s new epic film.”

Some of the panelists participating in Doha Talks include director Peter Webber, casting director Billy Hopkins, Origin Pictures’ David Thompson, producer Paula Wagner, CAA’s Micah Green, Egyptian-American comedian Ahmed Ahmed, director Sameh Zoabi, director Ian Power, director Taika Waititi, filmmaker Mira Nair, cinematographer Sandi Sissel, screenwrtier Sabrina Dhawan, director Ziad Doueri, producer Lydia Dean Pilcher, producer Jane Rosenthal, actor/producer Robert De Niro, director Scandar Copti, composer Nitin Sawhney, visual effects supervisor Matt Aitken, photographer Brigitte Lacombe and director Rachid Bouchareb.

Four interactive panel discussions will explore various facets of filmmaking in today’s world. The Do you Speak Comedy? Humour Crossing Borders panel will include creators and performers behind the comedies in this year’s DTFF film line-up. Uncharted Territory: The Future of Storytelling and Distribution will include insights from some of the top distributors, sales agents and producers, who shed light on the vast effects of distribution’s digital revolution on filmmaking. Emerging Actors, Emerging Stars explores the changing nature of the ‘star system’ and its relevance to building acting careers in the Middle East. Going Viral: Guerilla Marketing in a Digital World is a multimedia panel that analyses this year’s most creative guerilla and viral marketing tactics of big budget studio, documentary and independent films.

Sideviews at Doha Talks include workshops, presentations, and special appearances in an educational, entertaining and inspirational setup. Discussions will include: The Art of Collaboration: Mira Nair’s Maisha Film Lab; “Little Fockers”: Development and Evolution of the “Meet the Parents” Franchise; DFI’s One-Minute Film Screenings; A Celebration of 10-Minute Films; Cinematic Sounds of Satori with Composer Nitin Sawhney; From “Lord of the Rings” to “Avatar” and Beyond: An Interactive Workshop with Weta Digital’s Matt Aitken; and Traveling to Capture the World of Film: A Dialogue with Brigitte Lacombe.

The Masterclass takes a retrospective look at the filmography of Rachid Boucherab, indisputably one of the most significant and thought-provoking filmmakers on the international scene. During this rare opportunity, Bouchareb will discuss his films and their contribution in highlighting 20th Century French-Algerian history.

In addition, on Wednesday Oct. 27, Friday Oct. 29 and Saturday Oct. 30, there will be Festival Karak Chats where audiences have the chance to get up close and personal with the talent featured in “I Am Film: Work in Progress,” the cinematic City Art Exhibition of photographs by Brigitte Lacombe and video portraits by Marian Lacombe.

This year’s Industry Events, which are for accredited Industry guests only, are aimed at facilitating meaningful connections between visiting industry professionals and film talent in the Middle East. The programme includes a speed-networking event, pitching workshop and a “Pitch Your Project” session designed to give filmmakers exposure to visiting producers, sales agents, distributors, and film fund representatives. Industry-focused topical lunches follow each event.

Doha Talks get underway from October 27 to 30 at the Katara Festival Centre. Tickets for Doha Talks are priced at QAR 20.00 for individual events with a Doha Talks Pass available for QAR 100. The Doha Talks Pass entitles you to all Doha Talks Panels, Masterclasses, and Sideview Events. Doha Talks are free for all students on presentation of valid ID. Tickets are now on sale at DTFF Box Offices at City Center Cinemas and Villaggio Cinemas.

Venue Information:

Katara
Free public parking will NOT be available inside of Katara during the festival. Katara will operate under a Park & Ride system from two different locations in close proximity to Katara: Parking is available in either the backside of the Doha Exhibition Center or the Katara Public Parking (for access to both follow DTFF signs via route to the Intercontinental Hotel). Frequent shuttle service will be provided from both locations to Katara Centre.

Limited paid public parking spaces are available at the Katara Underground Garage. You can purchase a Vehicle Permit for 50 QR to park in the Katara Underground Garage during all festival dates (Oct 26th- Oct 30th). Please contact the DTFF Box Office for more information.

City Center and Villaggio
Parking is limited and not guaranteed at these locations, please plan accordingly, especially during peak hours.