Press Centre

Back to listing

Sports-themed movies at 4th DTFF narrate unseen struggles of the victorious

Nov 18, 2012

Download this press release

239 kB

Download PDF

Doha, Qatar; November 18, 2012: The fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), the annual cultural celebration of Doha Film Institute (DFI), will salute the astounding spirit of sportsmanship with a dedicated showcase of sports-themed films.

Screening in the Festival’s Contemporary World Cinema line-up is Maiken Baird and Michelle Major’s Venus and Serena, based on the lives of two of the greatest tennis champions that the world has ever known. The film provides audiences with an intimate look into their lives during 2011 – a defining year in their career when they battled illness and injury to get back on top of their game, highlighting strength in the face of adversity. The film will be screened from 9 pm on Monday, Nov. 19, at Museum of Islamic Art Park, and on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 3.45 pm at Katara Drama Theatre.

Town of Runners by Jerry Rothwell takes place is the small impoverished town of Bejoki in Ethiopia, which is the training ground for many of the world’s best long-distance runners. The film is an inspiring portrait of Coach Sentayehu Eshetu and the potential gold medalists who blossom under his strict training. The film is being screened on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium from 3 pm and on Nov. 19, at Souq Waqif – Al Rayyan Rooftop at 7 pm.

Christopher Nelius and Justin McMillian’s Storm Surfers 3D, an adrenaline-pumping film under the Special Screenings segment, seeks out the world’s biggest and most dangerous swells that two big-wave surfers have set their sights on. The drive to conquer a colossal, unsurfed breaker was captured by the two directors in 3D technology, in what can only be described as the breathtaking spectacle of the rolling seas and their death-defying spirit. Storm Surfers 3D will be screened on Nov. 19 from 3 pm at Katara Drama Theatre and on Friday, Nov. 23, 2 pm at Katara Opera House.

With an expanded Festival format this year, DTFF 2012 is showcasing over 87 films from across the globe under distinct themed sections including Arab Film Competition, Made in Qatar, Contemporary World Cinema, Special Screenings and Tribute to Algerian Cinema.

DTFF 2012 provides audiences a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience with new screening venues across Doha. Indoor and outdoor screenings will take place at Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA), and Souq Waqif.

Public participation is central as the Festival hosts an array of large community events, including Family Days, panel discussions, networking events and educational filmmaking programmes including Doha Talks and Doha Projects.