My first Tribeca experience was a half-baked plan. However, the second time around would be a real life adventure. Instead of wandering New York Streets, this time I hopped a plane to Qatar. I was a little apprehensive but also excited to experience the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. And of course, it’s never a dull moment with me.
I was well aware Qatar was a beautiful city—there’s a lot of misconception about the Middle East. Every one was friendly and Helpful. I would later get lost in the city and man offered me ride to my hotel. I was impressed by the free shuttles carting us to the Katara Open-Air Theatre.
My only regret was I didn’t see more films. I checked out, “The Two Escobars,” “The Mountain,” and the “The First Grader.” And each showing moved me.
I made sure to see film by an Arabic Director. So I chose “The Mountain,” by Ghassan Salhab, at random. I wanted to hear a voice from the Arab world. It’s wonderful to see the various expressions from around the world—this diversity is what I loved most about the DTFF.
“The Two Escobars,” a documentary by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, investigated the correlation between sports and the business of narcotics. Andrés Escobar and Pablo Escobar are linked by a love for football, a love for Columbia and the desire to win—I felt a very tragic yet a moving film.
And finally, “The First Grader,” by Justin Chadwick, was a moving film about an elderly Kenyan man’s pursuit of education.
Looking back on it, it was such a blessing and a wonderful experience.
The films really wanted to check out:
BOY by Taika Waititi
Bhutto by Duane Baughman Johnny O’ Hara
Shorts Program 1 “A Film” “God’s Hand.” “Missing.” “The Fifth Column.”
Shahada by Burhan Qurbani
Stone by John Curran
انا الفيلم
