The Italian film 'Paisan' featured in DFI's 'Watching the Classics'

The 1946 Italian film, 'Paisan' directed by Roberto Rossellini

Cinephiles are welcome to participate in the Doha Cinema Institute's (DFI) "Watching the Classics" online initiative to expand their knowledge of film history. The renowned Richard Pea will deliver the lecture series.

Cinephiles are welcome to participate in the Doha Cinema Institute's (DFI) "Watching the Classics" online initiative to expand their knowledge of film history. The renowned Richard Pea will deliver the lecture series.

The sixth session will focus on Roberto Rossellini's 1946 Italian film Paisan. The event will take place on August 23 from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

“In the monthly sessions, Professor Peña will present a given film within its aesthetic, economic, technological and social/political context, detailing each director’s formal techniques while teasing out the implications of these artistic and technical decisions,” DFI explained.

It added: “During the lecture, select images and clips will be included for discussion, and participants will be able to send Professor Peña questions, which will be addressed at the end of each session.”

The lecture will “explore a wide-range series of international cinematic landmarks, exploring this idea of the “classical narrative” in several contexts. Topics to be explored each week include: The transition to sound cinema, the increasing role of governments in film production, the impact of World War II, and the impact of notions of “realism” and “modernism” on filmmakers and audiences.”

The lecture costs QR70, however those who have a Qatar Museum Culture Pass will receive a 20% discount, or QR56. Those interested in applying should go to the institute's website, dohafilminstitute.com.

Participants were also informed that after enrolling, they may arrange an appointment to see the featured film at DFI's office by contacting training@dohafilminstitute.com. This is just for residents of the country.

Director Rossellini and a team of screenwriters created six separate films that chronicled the trajectory of American and Allied armed forces up the Italian peninsula, chronicling the suspicions, misunderstandings, friendships, and even love that emerged between Italians and their foreign liberators in the long, bloody war to end fascism.

Meanwhile, the Doha Film Institute has announced that its internship program for post production, cinema projection, and film production is now available. Individuals interested in launching a career in the film business can email their CV, cover letter, and Qatar ID to filmintern@dohafilminstitute.com.