Following an overwhelmingly positive public response, the first-ever Drive-In Cinema experience in Lusail organised by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) and presented in partnership with Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), will extend its public screenings until April 2021.
Featuring a selection of films from Disney classics to contemporary family favourites, audiences of all ages are invited to the open-air cinema experience under the stars.
DFI CEO and Festival Director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said they are delighted that the Drive-In Cinema was met with an incredibly positive public reception following its debut at Ajyal Film Festival last month.
It is a truly unique community experience, and we look forward to seeing audiences of all ages come together this winter to share in the magic of cinema in a safe space that inspires and delights on every occasion.
I would like to thank our partners at QNTC for their continued support in helping us preserve community spirit and celebrate culture in this new time.
QNTC Chief Operating Officer Berthold Trenkel said they are very pleased with the response to the drive-in cinema in Lusail. He said that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted everyone to innovate and adapt. He added that at QNTC, they are working closely with partners such as DFI, traversing the public and private sectors, to develop products that cater not only to visitors but also to residents.
We look forward to bringing back our vibrant calendar of events, while continuing to maintain the strictest safety and hygiene standards. This drive-in cinema delivers family-friendly entertainment, while showcasing Qatar’s culture through film, all within the smart city of Lusail.
Qatar National Day Programme
A three-day programme of family-friendly, enthralling shorts will mark Qatar National Day 2020.
17 December (from 6:30 pm)
- Gub Gub (Qatar/2018) by Nouf Al-Sulati
- Hope (Qatar, Indonesia/2020) by Abdulla Mohammed Al Janahi
- Under the Lemon Tree (Qatar, Palestine/2020) by Noor Al Asswad
- Kashta (Qatar/2016) by AJ Al Thani
- Unlucky Hamster (Qatar, Indonesia/2019 ) by Abdulaziz Khashabi
- Maha’mel (Qatar/2018) by Dhabya Al Muhannadi
- Dana’s Kite (Qatar/2016) by Noor al Nasr
- Treasures of the Past (Qatar/2017) by Nada Bedair and Rawan Al Nassiri
- Ya Hoota (Qatar/2019) by Abdulaziz Yousif and Latifa Al Darwish
18 December (from 6:30 pm)
A special short film programme will be shown on this date, rated PG-13, and featuring works by local talents and Qatar-based filmmakers, including winners of the 2020 Made in Qatar and jury competition from the recent Ajyal Film Festival.
- Daz (Qatar/2016) by Shouq Shaheen
- Fragile (Qatar/2019) by Khuloud Al Ali
- Stranger (Qatar, France/2020) by Yasser Mustafa / Christophe Buffet – Special Jury Award, 2020 MIQ Competition
- Al-Sit (Sudan, Qatar/2020) by Suzannah Mirghani
- Ander (Qatar, Kazakhstan/2020) by Alina Mustafina – Best Documentary Award, 2020 MIQ Competition
- Under Her Skin (Qatar, Algeria, France/2020) by Meriem Mesraoua – Best Narrative Award, 2020 MIQ Competition
- Embodiment (Qatar/2017) by Khalifa Al-Marri
- Beyond Broken Walls (Qatar/2020) by Hissa G Al Mannai
- Woman of Steel (Jordan, Qatar/2020) by Obada Yousef Jarbi – Best Short Film, Bader Category
- End of the Road (Qatar/2019) by Ahmed Al Sharif
19 December (from 6:30 pm)
Featuring a programme of shorts for the whole family.
- Unlucky Hamster (Qatar, Indonesia/2019) by Abdulaziz Khashabi
- Samha (Qatar/2018) by Noor Fawzi Al Asswad
- Sh’hab (Qatar/2018) by Amal Al Muftah
- Where Are You Right Meow? (Qatar/2018) by Maysam Al Ani
- Al Gawasa (Qatar/2018) by Sheikha Bahzad and Maryam Al Thani
- Al Tabbab (Qatar/2017) by Khalifa Al Mana
- Khurshid (Qatar/2017) by Mazen Shafea and Mohamed Elamin
- Emsahar (Qatar/2020) by Hassan Al Jahni
Capturing the holiday spirit on the big screen, Lusail’s Drive-In Cinema will also present Disney’s live-action adaptation of the ETA Hoffmann’s 1816 holiday classic, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (USA/2018) by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston on 24 December at 6:30 pm. Screening on 25 December at the same time, Dr Seuss’ The Grinch (USA/2018) will take audiences to the town of Whoville, where the Grinch threatens Christmas in this captivating animation film. Rounding off the series on 26 December at 6:30 pm is Chris Columbus’ beloved classic Home Alone (USA/1990) about a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family travels for the holidays.
Visit the DFI website for tickets and the latest Drive-In screening schedule.
