Ali Hassan to Al-Rai: New responsibility in refereeing... "Bahrain Film Festival 6"
Director Dr. Ali Hasan expressed his pride in being selected as the head of the documentary film jury for the sixth edition of the Bahrain International Film Festival, organized by the Bahrain Film Club in Manama from November 5 to 10, featuring a distinguished lineup of international cinematic figures.
In a statement to Al-Rai, Hasan said, “I am delighted to be part of a jury that includes prominent names in the film world, such as Dutch director, actress, and producer Dewi Evita Reyes, and Italian Countess Chiara Modica Donna Delli Rose, President of the Donna Delli Rose Foundation. Personally, I look forward to watching diverse cinematic experiences and getting to know the visions and approaches of their creators.”
He further emphasized that heading the documentary jury carries an artistic and humanitarian responsibility rooted in the nature of this art form and its connection to reality. He clarified that “for me, a documentary film is not merely a record of an event or a biography, but a responsibility toward memory, humanity, and history. A director does not deal with real-life material simply as images and information; rather, they seek the soul of the story and how to convey it to the audience with sincerity and impact.”
Discussing his directing experience, he stated, “This belief has formed the foundation of my documentary works, which have explored milestones and figures from Kuwaiti memory. These include ‘Faylaka... The Oud House,’ which was based on the testimonies of people who lived through the Iraqi invasion of Faylaka Island, and ‘Farewell Al-Sanousi,’ which chronicled the career of the late media figure Muhammad Nasser Al-Sanousi.”
He added, “Documentary work requires extensive research, patience, and precision in selecting material. However, the most important aspect is for the director to possess a vision that transforms facts into a cinematic narrative. This responsibility is magnified when the film is tied to the memory of a nation or to a figure who left a significant presence and impact on society.”
Regarding the diversity of entries at the festival, he noted that bringing together films from different cultures and experiences provides the jury with a broader scope to explore various cinematic treatment methods. He added, “We are faced with multiple schools of thought and different approaches to depicting reality, which enriches the judging process and allows us to discover new ideas and perspectives in documentary filmmaking.”
Dr. Hasan concluded his statement by affirming that his participation represents an opportunity to connect and exchange experiences with filmmakers from around the world. He said, “Documentary films have the power to reach audiences through their artistic and humanitarian value, in addition to their role in preserving memory. This participation is an opportunity to celebrate this art form and the experiences that bring true stories to life on screen.”
