Suzannah Mirghani on How Thessaloniki Winner ‘Cotton Queen’ Shines a Light on Sudanese Culture: ‘There’s a Sense of Being Seen’

Sony Pictures International Productions has entered a multi-year agreement with Qatar’s Film Committee to co-finance Arabic-language films from the Middle East and North Africa, announced during the Doha Film Festival's Industry Days event. This partnership aims to enhance the production and visibility of regional cinema.

Tom Quinn, CEO and founder of Neon, will be the opening speaker at a new industry event organized by the Qatar Film Committee in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute. This event is part of the inaugural Doha Film Festival, which aims to enhance international interest in the Gulf region's film industry.

The inaugural Doha Film Festival commenced with the Middle East premiere of Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania's poignant film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.' The film, which addresses the impact of conflict on personal lives, was introduced by the victim's mother, who expressed her loss yet emphasized her enduring humanity. This event underscores Qatar's commitment to promoting independent Arab cinema and enhancing its presence in the global film industry.

The inaugural Doha Film Festival opened on an emotional note with the MENA premiere of Kaouther Ben Hania's film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.' The film, which tells the story of 6-year-old Hind Rajab who was killed in Gaza, was introduced by her mother, highlighting the personal impact of conflict. The festival aims to showcase diverse narratives from the region.

The Doha Film Festival has launched its inaugural edition with a significant focus on Sudan, showcasing its cultural contributions often overlooked due to political turmoil. A highlight of the festival is the documentary 'Khartoum,' co-directed by Ibrahim 'Snoopy' Ahmad and a team of four others, representing a new wave of Sudanese cinema.