The inaugural Doha Tribeca Film Festival has announced the world premiere of Jasim to be screened on Friday at the Museum of Islamic Art. Commissioned by the State National Day Celebrations Organisation Committee (SNDCOC), the 23-minute visually stunning epic drama was shot entirely on locations in Qatar with an entirely local cast and is the only all-Qatari movie in the four-day Doha Tribeca Film Festival. Following its Doha Tribeca Film Festival premiere, everyone in Qatar will have the chance to see the film as it appears on the Al Doha TV channel in December as part of Qatar National Day 2009 celebrations. Jasim is directed by renowned UK director Peter Webber, whose film Girl With A Pearl Earring starring Scarlett Johannson and Colin Firth received three Academy Award, two Golden Globe and 10 Bafta Award nominations. “I congratulate and thank director Peter Webber and everyone involved in the filming of Jasim. This important historical film will further educate people in Qatar and around the world about the rich traditions and heritage of Qatar, while promoting the strong values of solidarity, identity and pride in the Qatari national identity,” says SNDCOC spokesperson. Jasim is one of the highlights of Qatar’s National Day celebrations being planned by the State National Day Celebrations Organising Committee for Friday, December 18. The director and cast members will join guests at a screening of Jasim, which tells the inspirational story of the rise to power and prominence of Shaikh Jasim bin Muhammad bin Thani, the founder and first ruler of modern Qatar. “Jasim celebrates the extraordinary life and achievements of Shaikh Jasim and appeals to a wide audience interested in the heritage and culture of Qatar and its people. I’m excited to be seeing the film at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival; what better place to see a Qatari movie than at Qatar’s first international film festival,” says director Peter Webber. Organised in partnership with Qatar Museums Authority, the first Doha Tribeca Film Festival running from 29 October to 1 November offers an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate cinema, culture, education and community in Qatar. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=October2009&file=Local_News2009102971656.xml

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