From free movie screenings to cultural dance performances to an indoor souq bazaar, there’s plenty to do around town this weekend.
Here are our picks:
DFI movies
The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is hosting its inaugural Focus on Qatarshowcase this weekend at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium.
The three-day event starts today, Oct. 5 and runs through Friday, Oct. 7.
It includes screenings and panels focused on homegrown talent, discussions on the art and future of documentary in the Gulf, and informational sessions on DFI workshops and grants.
Seven short documentaries produced and directed by Qatari talent will be screened. They are: Bader, AlHamali, Inside Out, The Palm Tree, The Notebook, To My Mother and Mubarak Al Malik.
Screenings and events are free, but residents interested in attending are advised to reserve a ticket. More information on timings and reservations is on DFI’s website here.
‘Turn off the light’
As part of a regional tour, a French dance crew known as “Turn off the light” will be performing this Thursday at the Qatar National Theater off of the Corniche.
The performances start at 7:30pm and will include dances with a blend of hip-hop and calligraphy, among others.
The event is hosted by the French Institute in Qatar and is free and open to all, although seats are limited.
To register, send an email to anissa.harfouche@institutfrancais-qatar.com
HBKU bazaar
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will hold a bazaar this weekend from Thursday to Saturday at the Student Center Majlis Area.
The aim of the bazaar, called “Souqna,” is to enhance social engagement between the Education City community and the general public and allow students to learn more about entrepreneurship from local business owners.
The event will be held from from 11am to 9pm on Thursday, and from 3pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
For more information, see visit HBKU’s website.
FINA Swimming
Some 140 swimmers from around the world will compete in the FINA Swimming World Cup this weekend.
The fifth edition of the annual event will be at Hamad Aquatic Center on Oct. 8 and 9 and will include a 16-strong Qatari team – with an average age of just 15 years old.
One of the highlights of the weekend event will be the chance to see four Olympic gold medalists competing in Doha.
The heats take place in the mornings, from 10am while the finals are held from 6pm daily. A schedule of the races can be found online.
Tickets cost QR20 for each session and can be bought through Q-Tickets.
Sri Lankan performance
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha will present an Army Cultural Troupe show at Katara Cultural Village on Friday, Oct. 7.
The free performance will take place at 7pm at the Drama Theater and all are welcome.
Bonus:
- History of Fuwairit: The talk will feature Robert Carter, a professor of Arabian and Middle Eastern Archaeology at UCL Qatar, will give a talk about the history of the northern town of Fuwairit tonight (Oct. 5) at 7pm. The discussion will take place at the Doha English Speaking School and focus on one of Qatar’s major historical urban centers. Much of Fuwairit is now an extensive archaeological site. Buffet and refreshments will be served from 6pm onwards. The event will end with a Q&A session.
- Paper pulp workshop: Katara Art Studios is hosting a month-long art workshop starting this Friday. It will take place on Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 4pm to 8pm. To register, send your name and phone number to education@katara.net or call 44080233 or 44080235.