Venice Film Festival Will Screen Five DFI-Supported Films

Doha Film Institute

Doha, Qatar: The world is prepared for an exceptional movie journey with the start of the 80th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido today. Among the outstanding collection of films are five impressive works backed by the Doha Film Institute (DFI).

These movies encompass "City of Wind," "Farewell to Tiberias," "Beyond the Mountains," "Ocean Salt," and "Behind the Scenes."

In a recent announcement on Instagram, the Doha Film Institute (DFI) expressed its pride in the selected films, showcasing the impressive talent and dedication of its grant recipients on the global stage.

Recognizing the immense talent and commitment of our grant recipients as they step into the spotlight at the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival. This premiere continues to mark significant milestones in highlighting exceptional storytelling from the Arab world and Mongolia. Congratulations to our grant recipients for this well-deserved recognition. #Venezia80 #SupportArabCinema.

The Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's oldest film festivals and part of the "Big Five" international film festivals, will take place from August 30 to September 9.

In the movie "City of Wind," directed by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, viewers are immersed in the life of Ze, a reserved 17-year-old shaman living in contemporary Mongolia. The film intricately interweaves Ze's pursuit of success in a demanding society with his spiritual connection to his ancestral spirit, resulting in a transformative encounter with Maralaa that profoundly reshapes Ze's perspective.

Remarkably, "City of Wind" has also secured a spot at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it will be showcased as part of the Centerpiece Programme. This esteemed platform celebrates cinematic diversity and human experiences and is scheduled to run from September 7 to 17.

"Bye Bye Tiberias," directed by Lina Soualem, will also make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival while securing a spot at TIFF. This documentary follows Hiam Abbass (Succession) as she returns to her Palestinian village in France with her daughter, filmmaker Lina Soualem. Their poignant narrative delves into four generations of women and their shared legacy of separation, offering an intimate portrayal of their lives.

Directed by Mohamed Ben Attia, "Behind the Mountains" narrates Rafik's story as he emerges from a four-year prison term with a single purpose: to take his son on a journey to unveil a remarkable discovery. The film portrays a man's bold departure from societal norms and institutions, depicting a fervent rejection of a conformist world.

Leila Basma's short film "Sea Salt" is set for its world premiere in the Official Orizzonti Short Film Competition at the Venice Film Festival. The film captures 17-year-old Nayla's dilemma on a scorching summer day in Lebanon: the decision to stay or leave. With two influential men in her life, her choice takes an unexpected turn.

Director Basma stated, "Sea Salt is a love/hate letter to my hometown, in which I try to paint a local coming-of-age story, filled with first discoveries and life-changing decisions." Lastly, "Backstage," directed by Afef Ben Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane, follows the contemporary dance troupe "Without Borders" during their Morocco tour, exploring intricate dynamics among members as they confront challenges and revelations throughout their journey.