Young Qataris Film Youth Perspectives on National Issues

 
January 10, 2010 - As part of a MEPI local grant project, thirteen students from Qatar ranging in age from 16 to 25 took part in a two-month set of training workshops where, for the first time, youth living in Qatar were able to produce films reflecting their perspectives on national issues.  The workshop - the creation of the award winning film maker, critic and workshop director Abdulrahman Najdi – was held at the Doha Youth Center in August 2009.  

Youth participants received hands-on training in filmmaking and learned how to utilize visual media as a tool for self-expression.  As a result, these young filmmakers became experts in short movie making and produced seven films reflecting themes ranging from Qatari traditions to the role of youth in their country’s democratic development.  The young filmmakers were honored for their short films and received much appreciation from the audience during a reception held at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Qatar on January 10, 2010.  Mr. Najdi was pleased to be a part of this workshop, stating that existing media outlets do not pay significant attention to examining youth concerns and perspectives on national issues or democratic development, and that there are limited cultural forums and social associations for youth.  The MEPI project was a significant breakthrough in Qatar, given that young people constitute a large proportion of Qatar's population. (photo gallery)

The thoughts expressed in the films by the young amateurs will contribute to the establishment of cinema in Qatar.  The films, which were screened and discussed in a series of seminars,  will be posted on the internet to serve as the basis for an on-line discussion forum between youth and the filmmakers, reaching out to a wide audience of youth, public figures, and opinion leaders.  In addition, one of the films was selected for the upcoming April 2010 Al Jazeera Documentary Film Festival and a film festival in Beirut later this year. 

The project received prominent coverage by the Qatari press including Al-Jazeera TV (click here to see video), The Gulf Times, The Peninsula, Al Watan, Al Arab, Al Sharq, and Al Raya.