The fourth edition of Qumra, the annual industry event by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), has commenced in Qatar, bringing together more than 150 acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals and experts to nurture 34 films the Qumra projects by first- and second-time filmmakers from 25 countries that are in various stages of development.

The six-day event is held at Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.

Fatma al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said:"Qumra is founded upon a commitment to the mentorship and creative development of emerging filmmakers from across the world. As in earlier editions, the Qumra projects by young filmmakers present compelling stories that need to be heard, especially at a time when film and story-telling are used to distort reality and negatively impact the world."

"We believe that while films are a source of entertainment, they are also a powerful tool to build empathy and bring people together. That further underlines the need to support new voices in cinema, as storytelling is both an art-form and a growing responsibility. If we do not tell our stories, others will, in a manner that suits them."

This year, Qumra is headlined by six modern legends in cinema mentoring the young filmmakers in their role as Qumra Masters.

They are: Oscar winning actor Tilda Swinton; Sandy Powell, Order of the British Empire (OBE), Oscar winning British costume designer; Oscar nominated director Bennett Miller; Venice Golden Lion winning Russian director and writer Andrey Zvyagintsev; Cannes Palme d'Or winning Thai filmmaker and visual artist Apichatpong Weerasethakul; and the only documentary director to win the Berlinale Golden Bear, Italian director Gianfranco Rosi.

There is also an exciting showcase for the public, who can watch the Modern Masters screenings of films by Qumra Masters and the New Voices in Cinema screenings by young talents, including Qatari directors. They can also attend the Masterclasses by the Qumra Masters and take part in Qumra Talks, a series of insightful discussions led by acclaimed photographer Brigitte Lacombe, renowned artist Simon Wilkinson, and new media expert Jon Kamen.

The fourth edition of Qumra started off on an inspiring note on Thursday with the first Modern Masters screening of Okja (South Korea, USA/2017) directed by Bong Joon-ho, featuring Swinton.

On Friday, Swinton held the first Qumra Masterclass this year, moderated by Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival. The Modern Masters Screening of Fire at Sea (Fuoccoammare) (Italy/2016) directed by Qumra Master Gianfranco Rosi, was also held. A Masterclass by Rosi will be held on Saturday (March 10) at 10:30 am at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.

Apart from the preparatory meetings and workshops for the talents associated with the Qumra projects, on Saturday (March 10) the public can join in screening of Qumra short films in the New Voices in Cinema segment at 4.30pm, and the Modern Masters screening of Footprints by Qumra Master Weerasethakul, at 7pm, both at the MIA Auditorium.