FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THOUSANDS TURN OUT TO WATCH INTERNATIONAL STAR-STUDDED KICK OFF FOR
INAUGURAL DOHA TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
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Martin Scorsese, Mira Nair, Ben Kingsley, Youssrah, Patricia Clarkson, Jeffrey Wright and other Luminaries Walk the High Tech “Red Carpet” Comprised of 155,000 LED lights
Doha, Qatar [30 October 2009] – After nearly a year of intense planning, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) kicked off tonight in high style premiering Mira Nair’s film, “Amelia.” Celebrities including Nair, legendary director Martin Scorsese, Academy Award winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley, American actors Patricia Clarkson and Jeffrey Wright, Turkish stars Songul Oden and Kivanc Tatlitug, renowned artist Jeff Koons, Italian fashion icon Miuccia Prada, and Egyptian screen sensation Youssrah, all took part in the premiere of Qatar’s first international film festival held at the Museum of Islamic Art. DTFF, a partnership between the Qatar Museums Authority and Tribeca Enterprises, will run through November 1.
More than 5,000 members of the Qatari community turned out to enjoy an open-air screening of Amelia on the enormous 24-meter wide screen constructed on the Museum grounds. The screen is the largest free-standing structure in Doha. DTFF provided a live-stream all of the glamour from the red carpet, including celebrity interviews, to the giant screen, so that festival goers caught every moment of the excitement. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performed live for the audience prior to the Amelia screening.
“I am honored to present ‘Amelia’ as the opening night of the inaugaral Doha Tribeca Film Festival,” said Mira Nair. “Amelia was truly modern, a visionary and my film explores her quest for balance between the ecstasy of the sky and the responsibility of the earth. It is in a sense a modern adventure with Hilary Swank as the true embodiment of the spiritual power of Amelia.”
The crowds were thrilled to be treated to such glamour and glitz as the stars walked down the digitally lit up red carpet. Other luminaries in attendance included tennis stars Jelena Jankovic and Victoria Azarenka. Screenings and events will continue through the weekend including an open air showing of the 1969 classic Egyptian film, “The Mummy,” at the Souq Waqif on Saturday evening.
About DTFF
Doha Tribeca Film Festival was formed through a strategic partnership by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and CEO Abdulla Al Najjar of the Qatar Museums Authority and the Tribeca Film Festival Founders, Jane Rosenthal, Craig Hatkoff, and Robert De Niro. The arrangement was spearheaded by DTFF Executive Director Amanda Palmer. Uniquely Qatari in its identity, the Festival is modeled on the success of Tribeca Film Festival’s dedication to engage the local community and promote filmmaking talent. In its inaugural year, Doha’s first international film festival will celebrate the best of Arabic and international cinema. Its ongoing aim will be to inspire, engage and educate a new generation of cinema appreciation locally; discover, mentor and fund regional filmmaking talent; foster a community through art and entertainment; and encourage open discussion and debate.
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For further information and interview requests:
Doha Tribeca Film Festival
Lisa Kirchner, (+974) 452 8246, lkirchner@dohatribecafilm.com
The Portsmouth Group
Eileen Wallis, (+971) 4 369 3575, dtff@theportsmouthgroup.com