“We are building an ecosystem that will empower the next generation of Arab storytellers”

At the CNN Global Perspectives summit in Qatar, His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi, Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Chairman of the Film Committee at Media City Qatar, spoke at a fireside chat with CNN anchor Becky Anderson. The discussion centered around the Film Committee's role in developing a platform to empower Arab filmmakers and storytellers.

According to Al Thawadi, the committee aims to create a globally competitive ecosystem that can attract international productions and support local talent, ensuring regionally produced stories reach global audiences. This ecosystem will redefine film production and storytelling in Qatar and the wider region, driving cultural and economic impact.

Collaborating with stakeholders, including the Doha Film Institute and Media City Qatar, as well as international partners, the committee is establishing production capabilities, connecting existing assets, and accelerating investment, ultimately creating a sustainable commercial framework. Al Thawadi highlighted Qatar's experience in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, drawing parallels between the event and the film industry in terms of their potential to change perceptions, connect cultures, and leave a lasting legacy.

He emphasized that while football and entertainment may appear different, they both possess the power to unite people. For Al Thawadi, the most significant legacy of the World Cup is the national capability, institutional strength, and infrastructure it has generated, which has bolstered Qatar's and the Arab world's voice. Since its inception in 2025, the Film Committee has backed several internationally acclaimed films such as The Voice of Hind Rajab, Paper Tiger, and Saoud Wainah, among others.