Abdulrahman Al-Mana, an award-winning Qatari filmmaker, has made a name for himself not just in filmmaking, but also in the broader media landscape, contributing significantly to Qatar’s cultural identity. With his active role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2024 AFC Asian Cup, Al-Mana continues to pursue his passion for film and media while shaping the future of Qatar’s film industry, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030. In an exclusive interview, Al-Mana shares the journey that led him to filmmaking, the challenges he faces, and his aspirations for the future of Qatari cinema.
Early Life and Professional Journey: The Spark of Passion for Cinema
Abdulrahman Al-Mana’s passion for filmmaking began in his early years. Growing up in Qatar, movies were more than just entertainment to him; they were a window into different cultures and diverse environments. “Movies were my window to the world,” he says, reflecting on how visual storytelling fueled his curiosity about people’s lives. Whether it was reading stories or watching films, he found himself fascinated by the narrative structures that brought these stories to life.
His love for cinema evolved into a deeper interest in filmmaking, particularly in scriptwriting and production. “When I saw filmmakers making films independently, I followed the process from creating stories and characters to bringing life into them,” Al-Mana recalls. This hands-on approach inspired him to create his own short films. The process of crafting stories, from the initial script to the final cut, became his driving force.
Education: A Foundation Built on Vision and Passion
Al-Mana pursued his education in the United Kingdom at Keele University, where he graduated with honors in Film and TV production. “I was pleased to receive a country-sponsored scholarship to study filmmaking abroad,” he says. This scholarship was not just a personal achievement but aligned with Qatar’s Vision 2030 to localize the film production industry. Al-Mana’s choice to study filmmaking was motivated by his desire to contribute to the country’s growing film industry and help shape Qatar’s cultural future.
The rigorous academic training he received, paired with the exposure to global cinema, allowed him to sharpen his skills and deepen his understanding of the filmmaking process. During his time at Keele University, he found inspiration in mentors who guided him and his peers toward becoming skilled filmmakers.
Career Choice: A Calling to Impact Through Cinema
Al-Mana’s decision to pursue filmmaking was driven by the profound impact films have on audiences. “Filmmaking offers a huge opportunity to create awareness and really touch people,” he explains. His interest in the ever-changing nature of filmmaking—spanning from scriptwriting to post-production and marketing—also fueled his ambition to work in this dynamic field.
But it wasn’t until he witnessed firsthand the power of cinema to share a country’s culture globally that Al-Mana knew he was on the right path. “Films can show the intricate culture of a country and put it on a global scope,” he says. This realization drove him to craft films that not only entertain but also promote Qatar’s national and cultural identity.
Overcoming Challenges: The Struggles of a Filmmaker in Doha
Filmmaking is never without its challenges, and Al-Mana is no stranger to them. One significant hurdle he faces in Doha is the scarcity of experienced actors for leading roles. “As a director, there are specifications in the main actor—how he looks, how he talks, and how he acts,” he explains. However, the challenge in Qatar lies in the limited pool of actors ready to take on such roles. “Sometimes, you have to work with whoever is available,” he adds, demonstrating his resourcefulness in overcoming this issue. Despite these challenges, Al-Mana remains committed to creating films that make an impact.
Achievements: A Trailblazer in Qatari Filmmaking
Al-Mana’s greatest achievement lies in being one of the first Qatari graduates in film production, a milestone that reflects his commitment to both his craft and his country. His films have been screened and awarded at prestigious international film festivals, including the Dubai Film Festival, Manchester Film Festival, and Swedish International Film Festival. These accolades have cemented his position as a prominent figure in the Qatari film industry.
When asked about how he measures success, Al-Mana points to his ability to create meaningful, impactful cinema. “Success for me is about creating stories that resonate with the audience and bring awareness to important issues,” he shares. His career is a testament to his dedication to filmmaking and his desire to elevate Qatar’s cultural presence on the global stage.
Inspiration: Finding Creativity in Life’s Stories
For Al-Mana, inspiration doesn’t just come from other filmmakers—it arises from life experiences and the challenges people face. He is particularly drawn to the power of cinema to inspire positive change. “The positive impact of cinema on behavioral change and public health is something that continues to inspire me,” he says. But above all, it is the vision of Qatar’s Emir, His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that fuels his drive: “Qatar deserves the best from its citizens.” This vision motivates him to contribute to the nation’s cultural and artistic landscape.
The Future: A Vision for the Growth of Qatari Cinema
Looking ahead, Al-Mana is optimistic about the future of Qatari cinema. With Qatar’s Vision 2030, the country aims to position itself as a global hub for film production, blending its rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology. “Qatar is poised to become a hub for both regional and international filmmakers,” Al-Mana says, highlighting the significant investments in state-of-the-art studios, production facilities, and talent training programs.
As part of this vision, Al-Mana hopes to create films that not only resonate with audiences but also showcase Qatar’s identity on the world stage. “I aspire to create films that will raise the Qatar flag all over the world and leave my imprint on the global film industry,” he shares.
The Filmmaking Process: From Research to the Final Cut
For Al-Mana, the filmmaking process is an extensive journey that takes months—or even years—to complete. For his upcoming film, Commitment is an Act, Not a Word (2024), he spent six months on pre-production research, drawing insights from studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The research focused on the psychological factors involved in abandoning harmful habits, a theme that Al-Mana feels passionately about. “When you make a film based on valuable studies, it will leave a huge positive impact on the audience,” he believes.
Emerging Trends: Shaping the Industry
Qatar’s commitment to localizing film production in line with Vision 2030 is a driving force in shaping the country’s future in the global film industry. Al-Mana is optimistic about the growing number of institutions like the Doha Film Institute (DFI) that support aspiring filmmakers by offering training, funding, and the resources necessary to compete on a global scale.
“Preserving Qatar’s heritage and culture through film is a major driver for this trend,” he notes. As more filmmakers and institutions come together to support Qatar’s burgeoning film industry, the future looks promising for both local and international collaborations.
The Impact of Film: Changing Lives Through Stories
For Al-Mana, filmmaking is not just about creating entertainment—it’s about making a lasting impact. “Films have the power to influence people’s lives and prompt them to take action,” he says. Whether it’s raising awareness about social issues or inspiring individuals to change their behavior, Al-Mana believes that cinema can play a transformative role in society.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers: Pursue Your Passion
When asked if he would recommend film production as a career path, Al-Mana is unequivocal: “Yes, I would. When you study something you’re passionate about, the creative possibilities are limitless.” However, he emphasizes that formal education isn’t always necessary. “You can learn filmmaking by doing it,” he says, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to dive in and explore the process.
The Importance of Teamwork: Building a Successful Film Crew
One key piece of advice Al-Mana shares is the importance of teamwork in filmmaking. “Filmmaking is inherently a collaborative art form,” he explains. Building a strong, cohesive team is critical to the success of any project. “The better the team, the better the results,” he concludes, underscoring the value of collaboration in achieving creative goals.
Al-Mana’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to both his craft and his country. As Qatar moves closer to realizing its Vision 2030, filmmakers like Al-Mana will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural future, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Do follow him on Instagram.
