Doha Film Institute is presenting a new themed series for cinema lovers in Qatar that celebrates the impact of costumes and fashion in films to create meaningful cinema. A range of diverse activities have been lined-up over the weekend, as part of the special series, that will provide audiences in Qatar with creative avenues to explore the rich traditions of film costumes and view globally lauded films that have set benchmarks in filmmaking.

Themed, ‘Fashion in Film-Costume as Character’, the special series part of DFI Cinema, runs from April 20th to 24th at the MIA auditorium, and includes a diverse line-up of films with Q&A sessions, an open air community engagement event and a master class that explores the relationship between fashion and film and its prominence in world cinema from the early days of moving images.

The screening programme includes a vibrant line-up of globally acclaimed films that have used costumes effectively to provide strong visual support to the story and help actors portray their roles with greater confidence and conviction to enhance characterization.

The programme gets underway with the screening of Martin Scorceses’ ‘The Age of Innocence’, and Jean-Pierre Melville’s ‘Le Samourai’ on the 20^th of April.

Weekend celebrations begin with the screening of ‘Funny Face’ by Stanley Donen and the Qatar premiere of DFI grantee project, ‘3000 Nights’ by celebrated Palestinian director Mai Masri on Thursday, 21^st April. The films costume designer, Hamada Attalah, revered for his work on Omar, When I Saw You and Zinzana will share insights into his creative process at the Q&A post screening.

Other films lined-up for the weekend include classics from global masters ; Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ and Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Rashomon’ on April 22^nd. An outdoor special screening of Walt Disney Studios classic ‘Cinderella’ on April 23^rdprovides a perfect opportunity for the entire family to come together and enjoy the movie in a fun environment, where kids can dress up as princesses and prince charming, in a tribute to the globally loved characters. Each screening will be followed by an onstage Q&A moderated by Stella Bruzzi.

A special masterclass on April 22^nd led by industry expert Stella Bruzzi will explore the history of fashion and films, its evolution and growing prominence and its relevance in today’s filmmaking world. Themed ‘Costume in Cinema’, the masterclass explores costume as a classic tool for drawing character and narrative, and mapping the intricacies of class, context or identity, and highlights the distinctive and important role played by costume in the movies using copious illustrative clips from a wide range of films.

DFI’s Thematic Series, part of DFI Cinema, is aimed at strengthening appreciation for the arts and contributing to the evolution of Qatar’s rich cultural fabric. The programme offers audiences in Doha an opportunity to view films that may not necessarily reach commercial cinemas, and exposes them to new tastes and to filmmaking communities that deserve recognition for their immense talent and diversity.

For ticket prices and more details, please visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com

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