Aljazeera Documentary Festival witnessed a global first of its kind initiative represented in the launch of Aljazeera Forum for Film Festivals. The Aljazeera Festival Director, Abbas Arnaout, presided a meeting with directors of documentary film festivals in which an institutional statement was declared.
This initiative represents a big step into the world of documentary films, Arnaout said in a press statement.
"We realized there was no global union for documentary film festivals the thing that urged us to create such a forum that includes those festivals under the umbrella of Aljazeera. This new body will enhance the exchange of expertise, foster the documentary film culture, and encourage innovative people and producers," the statement added.
He also said that the directors of festivals will meet annually to exchange ideas, support the documentary film culture, and encourage creative directors, producers, and cameramen to launch their talents. They will also discuss the possibility of dedicating awards and partnership agreements with international bodies, chiefly with UNESCO.
The meeting was held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha and attended by the executive director for marketing and distribution at Aljazeera Network Abdullah Al Najar, representative of Isfahan International Festival of Films For Children & Young Adults & Fajr International Film Festival Amir Esfandiari, executive director of Zhenjiang International Documentary Film Festival & China Cultural Information Association Chief & Executive Director Gong Jijiu, director of Europe – Orient Documentary Film Festival in Asila- Morocco Sohaib El Ouassani, public relations director of Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema Murad Sekakmiya, director of Granada International Film Festival Jose Sanchez Montes, director of International Documentary Film Festival in Khouribga - Morocco Al Habib Nasri, of The International Film Festival of Dakhla- Morocco Asma Graimiche, director and the Manager of China Zhenjiang International Documentary Film Festival Tian Li.
After listening to different views, exchanging ideas, the attendees agreed upon the following institutional statement of Aljazeera International Forum for Film Festivals.
According to the forum attendees, it was agreed to hold an annual forum under the umbrella of Aljazeera for festivals directors through which initiatives will be launched aiming at enhancing the status of documentary films worldwide. Abbas Arnaout was elected as an executive director to the forum and the first meeting will be held in Doha at a later date.
An internal charter will be created that defines the duties and the conditions of joining and membership. Membership shall be open to all types of film festivals worldwide. The forum will also provide the moral support to all new directors and producers.
Finally, it was agreed on activating the role of documentary films on public affairs and global issues, such as education, environment, food, health, and peace. Also, bridges of corporation with UN organizations and other international bodies that are concerned with culture and art will be built.