Selective Mutism (Al Samt Al Ikhtiyari)
Qumra Projects
/ Short Narrative
In Arabic
Interests: Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Rated: Mature subject matter. Not suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 18 are not admitted into cinemas.
- Come back soon to see screening dates
Synopsis
Hamad is a delinquent. He is forever stealing the neighbour’s car to go joyriding with his friend, then returning it without the owner ever knowing it was taken. He notices his father’s new obsession with camel beauty contests, finding it very strange that a city man is so interested in such a thing. One day, Hamad’s friend calls him up, asking for help to cover up the unintentional murder of his girlfriend. Hamad determines that the young woman is just unconscious and tries to help her. He and his friend take her to Hamad’s house, and Hamad’s father leaves for a business trip. Everything goes well until the police show up at the door, looking for Hamad’s father, who has been laundering money at the beauty contests. Hamad now deals with the situation of his friend’s girlfriend with a different view on life.
About the Director
Khalifa AlMarri is a visual artist who has made several contributions to the fine art community in Qatar. He is the director of ‘Man of the House’, which won a ‘Made in Qatar’ Award at Ajyal in 2015. AlMarri studied Mass Communications at Qatar University and holds a diploma in Directing and Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. He made ‘Fragile’ as part of a joint Doha Film Institute – La Fémis summer course in Paris in 2016. ‘Embodiment’ was one of his abstract documentaries that played very well in festivals worldwide. His documentary film ‘Voyager’ is now travelling the world, screening in several festivals and exhibitions. He just finished shooting his latest narrative short film ‘Olayan’ that was part of the QFF by the DFI. Currently, he’s shooting a web series with the Ministry of Defense about the national service.