Abdulrahman Al-Mana, an award-winning Qatari filmmaker, was a key organizer for both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup. He earned recognition as one of the Best Three Directors at the Greece Athena Film Festival. Al-Mana graduated with honors in Film and TV Production from Keele University, UK, through a country-sponsored scholarship supporting Qatar’s Vision 2030 to localize film production. His journey began in his youth, with a love for movies and storytelling. In this interview, he shares his experiences from the World Cup, his favorite award, and his vision for elevating Arab cinema and more.
Can you tell us about your first experience with film? When did you realize that filmmaking was your true passion?
Growing up I have always been fascinated by film. Movies were my window to discover people’s cultures and environments, it was my window to the world in general.
I have been mostly reading stories and watching visual stories. I was passionate about how Movies and series stories bloomed into different trajectories from the beginning to the end.
This passion has triggered me to discover more about scriptwriting. Meanwhile, filmmaking was another story as I was curious about, how the film itself was produced and how it was made. When I saw filmmakers making films independently, I followed the process from creating stories and characters to bringing life into them into a film. Since the moment I produced my first short film, I enjoyed and wanted to make more creative stories.
With Qatar and other nations in the region aiming to diversify their economies and expand non-oil industries, how do you see the role of film contributing to this transformation?
There is a significant and noticeable development and improvement in the film industry in Qatar and people generally are very optimistic about it. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani the Emir of Qatar has announced that the production will be reliant entirely on local production in terms of economic, social, environmental, film, and media industries as part of “Qatar Vision 2030”. Therefore, my main motivation not only in filmmaking but in my whole career in general is to be part of “Qatar Vision 2030” and build a bright future for Doha.
In your view, what key developments or changes are necessary for Arab cinema to reach the next level on the global stage?
Filmmaking offers a huge opportunity to create awareness and really touch people.
However, it is one of the dynamic and creative processes that combine scriptwriting, Pre-production, production, post-production, and marketing. In my opinion, the key to development is to spread the film culture more widely through the regain، could be through courses, workshops, and film festivals, or even universities.
Your films have received numerous awards at prestigious international film festivals. Is there one particular award that holds special significance for you, and why?
I’m glad and proud to be among the first Qatari graduates in film production through a scholarship sponsored by the country. Also, my films have been screened and awarded in international global film festivals, including the Dubai Film Festival Manchester Film Festival, and the Swedish International Film Festival. However, my recent achievement was receiving the award of Best Three Directors with honors mention, out of 400 projects and directors worldwide at the Athena Film Festival.
This achievement has generated a lot of positive impact in the Middle East, considered to be one of the first Middle Easterners to achieve it.
Reflecting on your experience with the 2022 World Cup, what stands out as your most memorable moment during the event's organization?
World Cup Qatar 2022 has shown a significant positive impact on the region and its people.
I was officially one of the organizers and part of the media team at the World Cup event. This role was a great opportunity to meet the football fans and hear their positive thoughts. All the fans were amazed at the stadiums, the tourist locations, and the smooth transportation.
However, being one of the official organizers this role helped me to improve my management skills and organizing events. I can tell surely it was one of the best experiences I had.
Of all the films you’ve directed, which one holds a special place in your heart, and why?
I have worked on many films and projects, but “Commitment is an Act not a Word” is my favorite project so far, due to the positive reactions from people and the media in general, and the distinctive artistic path that contributed to enhancing understanding and health awareness among the public.
Looking back on your journey as a filmmaker, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned along the way?
The main lesson I have learned not only in my filmmaking career but also in my life, in general, is to make your ambitions always high and far. When you believe ambitions are limitless, you will reach places you never thought you would reach. This lesson helped me to be the person I’m proud of today.
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