DOHA: Heavyweights in the film industry in the Middle East have one common goal: to see the film industry in the region grow and thrive even through difficult times.
Ahmed Al Hashemi, chairman of Alnoor Holdings, said members of the film industry in the region want to see the industry here grow and thrive even through these difficult times, "but ultimately, we want to tell good stories wherever we are from."
Heavyweights in the international film industry met at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha yesterday for the launch of the Financial Times Business of Film Summit: Rethinking Strategies in an Evolving Landscape.
There was a strong participation from the film industry in the Middle East as "the region has seen significant interest in the film business."
Al Hashemi said Sheikha Mayasa Bint Hamad Al Thani's vision to create a long term, sustainable and significant film industry in Qatar has allowed and inspired several companies, such as Alnoor's, to have the ambition to be one of the leading operators in the film world.
Alnoor is already undertaking a big budget series, a high-budget film, three medium budget films to be announced this year, as well as animations and documentaries. Alnoor also provides media services, particularly in respect to the provision of film assets.
According to Al Hashemi, Qatar's hosting events like the FT Business of Film Summit is "testament to the importance of the film industry and the changes that the industry is going through... We hope to get a better understanding of the changes, the difficulties and the opportunities that are available in this industry."
"We also hope that there will be a better understanding between our cultures at a global level... Film is the best media in presenting or depicting nations, cultures, or people," he said.
Al Hashemi said he also hopes having events like these and improving the film industry in the Middle East "can remove people's stereotypes about one other."
Al Hashemi has been the President of the Al Hashemi Group for over a decade and has recently established Alnoor Holdings.
Bill Mechanic, founder of Pandemonium Films, during his keynote address said there is good opportunity of investing in movies in the wake of the economic crisis, as difficult times make for great opportunities.
Mechanic said the rise of 3D, film franchising and inflationary movie ticket prices have made the film industry resilient during the global financial strain.
Mechanic has produced critically acclaimed films like the Oscar-nominated animation "Coraline," based on the bestselling book by Neil Gaiman, "The New World," and "Dark Water," among others.
Mechanic used to be the chairman and CEO of Fox Entertainment for seven years and during his tenure there, the company produced hit films which include: "Titanic," Cast Away," "X-Men," "Entrapment," and the "Star Wars" installments.
Interactive panel discussions, workshops and speeches by the bigwigs in the international film industry will take place today.
© The Peninsula 2010
