Doha Film Institute CEO Addresses Attack On Palestinian ‘No Other Land’ Director: “Even An Oscar Does Not Offer Safety From Violent Oppression” – Qumra

deadline.com:

The ratcheting up of the Israel-Gaza conflict and recent attacks on pro-Palestinians activists loomed large at the opening of the Doha Film Institute’s annual talent and project meeting on Friday.

Some 300 attendees gathered for the welcoming meet and greet at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, followed by a masterclass by Brazilian director Walter Salles, fresh from his Best International Feature Film win for I’m Still Here.

In a strongly worded opening speech, DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi voiced her concerns over “attempts to erase voices in the region” and raised the case of the recent attack on Oscar-winning Palestinian No Other Land director Hamdam Ballal.

Referring to the fact the DFI is marking its 15th anniversary, Al Remaihi said the institute’s founding mission to nurture untold stories from the region was more relevant than ever. “Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we find ourselves at a complex crossroads where the world is witnessing continuing genocides,” she said. “The promise of peace and ceasefire are merely cover stories for the continued dehumanisation and attempts to erase voices in the region.” Israel resumed its ground operation in Gaza on March 19 after negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire involving an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners failed.