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Three students represent Qatar at 2012 Giffoni International Film Festival

Doha, 13 July, 2012: Three young students from Qatar, selected by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) will join the growing number of jurors from over 50 countries to attend the world’s longest running children’s film festival – the 42nd Giffoni International Film Festival (Giffoni), from 14 – 24 July.

The selected students will act as Giffoni jurors in Southern Italy for eleven days of film viewing, education, analysis and critiquing. They will also have the opportunity to meet Hollywood star Nicolas Cage who will be sharing his film experiences to inspire these lucky participants. This initiative builds on the cultural partnership between DFI and Giffoni, aimed at promoting film appreciation, and facilitating the exchange of culture through cinema. It also forms part of DFI’s continuing educational strategy to engage and inspire younger film enthusiasts. Representing Qatar in the category ‘+13’ is 14 year-old Loay Hammad from Qatar Acadamy, 16 year-old Abdulla Al-Kuwari from Khalifa school and 18 year-old Laith Hammad from Qatar Academy.

Khalid Alkildi, Student Liaison Manager, Khalifa School, said: “This is a great cultural initiative between DFI and Giffoni, offering students a wonderful opportunity to explore international film and learn about the industry. We are thrilled to have our students and others from Qatar represent the country in Italy at one of the biggest youth-oriented film festivals. This educational trip will aim to enrich the students and build on their writing, critiquing and reviewing skills. It’s the best way to see film and interact with their peer group. We as management are proud of the students and wish for them to be able to pursue their dreams and be part of this experience in the future.”

The nominated jurors will have the opportunity to connect with other children from across the globe, celebrate art and culture through films and learn the mechanics of filmmaking. Being a juror will involve watching premiere screenings of films like Madagascar 3 – Europe’s most Wanted and Ice Age 4 – Continental Drift, whilst debating and critiquing them before casting their final votes.

The jurors were selected based on their previous attendance of the Doha-Giffoni Experience at the 2011 Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), who showed outstanding commitment to film and actively participated in all the activities from writing film reviews to demonstrating their passion and curiosity for cinema. Some of the selected jurors were picked by entering the film review competition, whilst others were nominated by the candidate’s tutors.

Over three thousand jurors will share in the festivities, which will include a dynamic film slate of 168 films, including seven premieres. In addition, participants will have access to film master-classes, workshops, and other film related events.

Giffoni offers jurors diverse and exciting opportunities to connect with the international community, to exchange cultural and creative perspectives, to develop film knowledge and understanding as well as establish and implement critical and evaluative skills through judging films and awarding prizes.