The Doha Film Institute’s online short scriptwriting lab is designed to assist emerging screenwriters and writer-directors from Qatar and the MENA region to complete a new draft of their original short film screenplay with the guidance of experienced international mentors. Screenplays written through this lab may be nominated for production through these DFI programmes:

• Qumra Shorts
• Qatari Film Fund
• Production Funding (MENA region)

The online short scriptwriting lab provides an inspiring, intensive programme that balances virtual one-on-one mentorship sessions and independent work with moderated group discussions among peers. Participants will refine their skills in scriptwriting, advance the development of their short film screenplays, and discuss the regional and international short film landscapes—notably thanks to case studies of recent successful short films represented by their authors. Participants will also be introduced to film packaging (drafting synopsis, intent note, mood board, etc.) and short film production opportunities. Application Deadline: 28 October 2023 Dates: 25 November – 7 December 2023 Participants have 8 days for group work and 5 days in between for independent work on their scripts. All participants are expected to present a new version of their short film script to their tutors and the DFI team by the last day of the programme. Hours: The online sessions are planned between 3:00 – 7:30 PM (AST), including breaks. However, the schedule can be flexible to meet the needs of selected participants, and all interested filmmakers are encouraged to apply. Participation is required throughout the entirety of every session of the lab—as the work and learning will build progressively from day-to-day. Language: English Fee: QAR 1,000.00 Group Size: Up to 8 writers/directors Ability Level: Intermediate to advanced Eligibility The workshop is designed for writers/directors of short films. A total of eight participants will be selected for the workshop, and it is open to applicants from or based in Qatar or the MENA region. Candidates must:

• Show an aptitude for writing drama.
• Have written and directed at least one short film.
• Be from or based in Qatar or the MENA region.

Application Requirements

1. Please email all the following required materials as one PDF or Word document to scriptlab@dohafilminstitute.com:
   1. Basic project information: Project title, genre, countries of production, short synopsis, current status (treatment, script draft, etc.).
   2. Director’s statement explaining your motivation for applying to the lab and your intention for this project as a writer/director (maximum 1 page). Please mention the current status of the project and how long you have been working on it.
   3. Brief biography, filmography, and contact details (mobile number and email address) of applicant.
   4. Detailed treatment (maximum 2 pages) or script (maximum 15 pages) for a short fiction film of 5 to 15 minutes in length that can be shot in Qatar or the MENA region.
   5. Recommended (if available): link to a previous short film.
   6. Recommended (if available): copy of previous short film script.
   7. Optional: visual treatment, mood board, cast details, producer’s statement.
2. Attached separately to the application email:
   1. Qatar ID or equivalent MENA ID/Passport copy.

Candidate Selection After the application deadline, the lab mentor and the DFI team will review all applications. Candidates may be invited for a supplemental interview during the selection process. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to expand and develop their materials into coherent screenplays and their readiness to work with the mentors and other lab participants on substantial re-writes of their scripts. Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the programme; depending on the number of submissions, some applicants may be waitlisted or declined. All required materials must be submitted to scriptlab@dohafilminstitute.com on or before 28 October 2023 for consideration. Applicants will be notified of the results of their submission in a timely manner after the submission deadline.