The Delegation of the European Union to the State of Qatar is proud to announce the launch of the first EU Youth Short Film Festival, set to take place on November 24-25, 2024 at the Doha Beach Club. This two-day cultural event will bring together emerging filmmakers from both the European Union Member States and Qatar to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and celebrate the evolving art of short filmmaking, in a scenic environment at Doha Beach Club, by the sea.

With the theme “Frames, reframed,” the festival encourages filmmakers to explore the ever-changing landscape of visual storytelling. The slogan reflects the creative process of capturing moments and perspectives, both in literal and metaphorical frames, and then reshaping those frames to reflect new ideas and approaches. It serves as a call for artists to push boundaries and embrace innovative storytelling techniques.

The festival will also feature two masterclasses led by renowned industry professionals, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge topics in filmmaking. Aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts will gain insights into the transformative role of AI in film production and learn practical approaches to creating impactful short films using minimal resources.

On November 24, Rafael Antunes, Associate Professor in the Bachelor’s programme in Cinema, Video, and Multimedia Communication at Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, will lead a session on Transforming Film Production with AI Tools, exploring how AI enhances script analysis, visual planning, and audience engagement. On November 25, Pedro Canavilhas, Lisbon-based filmmaker and producer, and the co-founder of B’Lizzard Motion Pictures, and Hadeer Omar, an Egyptian media artist, designer, and Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, will conduct a masterclass on Social Media Short Films, focusing on creating compelling content using only a smartphone or low-budget camera. These sessions will equip participants with the tools and knowledge to excel in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The EU Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Dr. Cristian Tudor, emphasized the significance of the event in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between the European Union and Qatar: “This festival is more than just a celebration of creativity; it is a bridge between cultures. By bringing together filmmakers from Europe and Qatar, we aim to highlight the universal power of storytelling and build deeper connections between our communities. The theme ‘Frames, reframed’ perfectly captures the role of filmmakers in shaping how we see the world, and how we frame our feelings. We are excited to see the innovation and creativity that this event will inspire”.

The festival is open to the public, and registration is required to attend. The Delegation of the European Union to the State of Qatar invites all film enthusiasts, students, and creatives to join them for this unique cultural experience. To register, please visit the event’s website at https://eufilmfestival.qa.

A heartfelt gratitude is extended to the partners, including the participating EU Member State Embassies, Northwester University Qatar, VCUarts Qatar, Georgetown University Qatar, Doha Beach Club, W Hotel Doha, Luxury Travel by Latifa, and the creative collaborators Zerohundred and Final Events, for their support in making this festival possible.

For more information and to stay updated on the event, follow @euinqatar on social media.