Doha Film Institute Hires New CEO

LONDON – Doha Film Institute, the independent cultural organisation that brings Qatar’s film initiatives under one banner, has appointed Abdulaziz Al-Khater as its chief executive officer.

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Al-Khater takes up the reins from acting CEO and DFI board member Mansour Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud.

DFI chair and founder her excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani said: "The all-encompassing approach of DFI to promote a robust film industry in Qatar has helped us to create a distinct identity not only in the region but also globally. The appointment of Mr Abdulaziz Al-Khater, who has a wealth of management expertise, will be strong value addition in driving the future growth of the Institute."

She also thanked Al-Mahmoud for his work during what she described as DFI's transition phase and for "actively supporting strategies to build creative value and sustainable impact."

Al-Mahmoud said the incoming CEO "brings with him extensive experience in leadership and business management, with a strong local and regional focus."

Al-Khater's resume boasts experience in management, banking, information technology, operations, finance, and logistics.

He joins DFI from Al Khalij Commercial Bank, now established as one of the key financial institutions in the region.

Al-Khater said: "I am looking forward to being part of a growing cultural organisation that has established itself both within the region and internationally as an Institute dedicated to developing Arab talent and creativity."

He added that the DFI is poised for an era of growth "as it continues to evolve and foster the development of local and regional film industries."

In a separate move, DFI has added Souq Waqif, the city’s complex of boutique hotels, to serve as a festival hub for the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) to be held for eight days November 17 through 24, 2012.

Souq Waqif will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival, and an array of industry and hospitality events.

The other festival venue Katara will continue to serve as the screening hub of the festival and the heart of Family Days.

DTFF screenings will also be held at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium.

His excellency Issa Bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, DTFF vice chair said: "With Souq Waqif, Katara and the Museum of Islamic Art serving as the Festival and screening venues, we are offering visitors a powerful showcase of Qatari culture, bringing them closer to the heart of our nation’s proud heritage."

Souq Waqif features five contemporary hotels including Arumaila Hotel, Al Jasra, Al Mirqab, Al Najada and Musheireb.

The fourth edition of the festival will open with Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist, starring Kate Hudson, Kiefer Sutherland and Liev Schreiber.