Doha Film Institute Podcast - Powered by afikra
The Doha Film Institute Podcast, powered by afikra, is an interview series exploring the dynamic world of cinema and the role of storytelling in preserving heritage and fostering dialogue. It features conversations with filmmakers, composers, and cultural voices shaping the region's creative landscape. The podcast is produced by the Doha Film Institute, a not-for-profit cultural organization based in Qatar dedicated to supporting filmmakers and building a thriving film culture.
حلقات
Identity, Sound & the Geography of Expression | Yasiin Bey, Jara, Oddisee & Nemahsis
Global icons and independent pioneers Yasiin Bey, Jara, Oddisee, and Nemahsis explore identity, sound, and the fight for artistic autonomy. From the project windows of Brooklyn to the basements of Maryland, these artists reveal how the little rooms of their youth forged voices, powerful enough to fill global stages. In this deep dive, they confront the industry's complex relationship with visual r
Navigating Family Trauma and Libyan History | Jihan K, DIrector of "My Father and Qaddafi"
The director of award-winning documentary, My Father and Qaddafi (بابا والقذافي), Jihan K, explores in this episode the nine-year creative journey of reclaiming a family narrative after the 1993 kidnapping of her father, Mansour Kikhia, a former Libyan Foreign Minister turned peaceful opposition leader. Jihan shares a nuanced perspective on her childhood in exile, moving beyond a standard investig
Reflections on 15 years of Global South Cinema | Zaina Bseiso
Behind the scenes of "Atlas of Cinematic Affinities", filmmaker and curator Zaina Bseiso reveals the obsessive process of distilling 15 years of the Doha Film Institute (DFI) into a visual history that feels more like a sensory experience than a book. We dive into the "ships that keep on sailing" metaphor which guided the book's design, moving away from dry chronologies to explore how 8,000 pages
Authentic Frequencies From the Arab World | Moza Al Is’haq, Dana Al Fardan & Dana Al Meer
The regional music industry is entering a new era of global influence. Moza Al-Hajri, Dana Al Fardan, and Dana Al Meer provide an inside look at how Qatar is positioning itself as a world-class hub for content creation and musical excellence. They discuss cultural influences in their work, the responsibility of artists as storytellers, and how creative spaces can nurture emerging voices. From the
The Mechanics of Influence | Ahmed Shihab-Eldin & Rahma Zein
"We are all maneuvering in life normally, but our hearts are very much broken."
Journalists Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and Rahma Zein sit down with moderator, cartoonist Khalid Albaih for an essential conversation on the weight of narrative in a time of systemic erasure. We explore the role of journalism, storytelling, and cultural expression in shaping narratives around resistance, identity, and the shar
Cotton Queen & Sudanese Stories | Suzannah Mirghani
“It's a miracle that any film exists, but a film made during conflict, even more so.” We sit down with filmmaker, writer, and academic Suzannah Mirghani to discuss her latest film, Cotton Queen, and the harrowing reality of creating art while Sudan faces an ongoing genocide. Suzannah reveals the heartbreaking journey of a production displaced by war, where the cast and crew were forced to flee to
In Every Frame, A Rhythm | Suad Bushnaq, Ben Frost, & Gustavo Santaolalla
We explore the role of music in shaping cinematic storytelling, and how rhythm, sound, and silence make up an essential language across different film traditions. Our guests Suad Bushnaq, Ben Frost, and Gustavo Santaolalla reflect on their creative processes, the relationship between image and sound, and how they approach composing for diverse narratives and emotional landscapes. They also discuss
Past, Present and Future of DFI | Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi
We explore the history, mission, and future of Arab cinema in Qatar and the wider region in the first episode of the Doha Film Institute Podcast, powered by afikra. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, joins us to discuss the institute’s evolution from the Doha Tribeca Film Festival to a year-round platform supporting filmmakers through grants, mentorship, workshops, and network
