Doha adds seven films, adds Yosra as jury president

They are Andrew Lau’s Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen; John Curran’s Stone; Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis’ Machete; George Hickenlooper’s Casino Jack; Ram Gopal Verman’s Rakht Charitra; Vikramaditya Motwane’s Udaan; and IMAX presentation of Tod Williams’ Paranormal Activity 2.

Egyptian actress Yosra has been appointed president of the jury for the second annual festival. She replaces previously announced jury head Hany Abu-Assad, who had to drop out from jury duty because of production delays with his current film The Courier.

The jury also includes Salma Hayek Pinault, Nick Moran, Bhavna Talwar and Danis Tanovic. The will choose the winners of the Best Arab Film and Best Arab Filmmaker prizes, which each come with $100,000.

Yosra said: “I’m honoured to be the first Jury President of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, and I want to thank my fellow jurors Salma, Nick, Danis and Bhavna for joining me. It’s a great privilege for me to work with them and I hope that together, we can fulfill the expectations of the filmmakers, and can contribute towards highlighting the Arab Cinema and further encouraging the talent from the region.”

DFI Executive Director Amanda Palmer added: “We are delighted Yosra is joining us in Doha as our first Jury President for DTFF’s first Arab Film Competition. Yosra supported us immensely in our first year as a festival, and in our second year it’s an honour to welcome this cinematic icon to preside over an international jury. This jury, Salma Hayek Pinault, Nick Moran, Danis Tanovic, and Bhavna Talwar, truly understand and reflect Doha’s mission to support new talent in the region, they have the right sensibilities, perspectives and expertise, and we’re looking forward to introducing them to a new generation of talent here in the Middle East.”

Doha Tribeca runs Oct 26-30.