QU Vidoetry Film Contest &Festival
VidoetryFest 2009 - first ever at QU
At a press briefing on June 10, organisers gave details of the upcoming QU Vidoetry Film Contest & Festival 2009 to be held on June 15-17.
4 participating students also shared their thoughts on what the Festival means to them.
The first-ever Film Festival at QU is being organized by the university's Foundation Program. Its theme is "Who Are We When East Meets West?"
The VidoetryFest 2009, as it is called, will feature 5-minute-only video documentaries that capture the character of Qatar in its current situation where traditional cultural values are juxtaposed with rapid economic and social development.
In his opening remarks, Foundation Program Director Dr Khaled Al-Ali said: "This is an event we are very proud to host. It gives students an opportunity to combine their learning and English language skills with extra-curricular activities in which they can showcase their talents. The Festival is providing them with the space to present their vision in a life-learning experience".
Foundation Program Lecturer and Festival organizer Ahmed Selim outlined details on the purpose of the Festival. "The background of this event is the need for integrated skills in the Foundation English language curriculum. Its title is a guide for participants to document where we are in the history of Qatar and its development", he said.
He further noted that the film entries are being judged by Emmy and human rights award-winning video journalist Bill Gentile whose work appears regularly on CNN, C-SPAN, Discovery Channel and PBS.
Sixteen video production workshops were held and within 5 days we started receiving entries which finally amounted to 80, said Foundation Program Lecturer Anita Ghajar-Selim, adding that 120 students participated including several from College of North-Atlantic Qatar.
Golden Rabbaba awards will be presented for Best Overall Video, Best Creative Video, Best Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Video, Best Story-Telling Video, Best Cinematography and Effects, Most Humorous Video, Best Teacher Video, and Most Inspiring Teacher Award.
Ahmed Selim explained that "rabbaba" was the branding theme of the Festival. "It is a one-stringed Arabian instrument which is symbolically projected in the students' individuality as they develop their own voice to tell their stories. It also represents the identity of the region", Selim said. |  |
