Qatar National Library Opens Arab Cinema Poster Exhibition

Press release

Published November 25th, 2020 - 01:33 GMT

Qatar National Library Opens Arab Cinema Poster Exhibition

During the event

Highlights

Qatar National Library launched today “Arab Cinema Posters: Art and Memory,” a new digital exhibition featuring curated film posters (affiches) from the Heritage Library's Arab Cinema Archive.

His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State, Qatar and President of Qatar National Library, officially opened the digital exhibition, which will appear on the digital totems next to the Young Adults’ Area.

Dr. Al-Kawari said: “This unique and beautiful exhibition sheds light on an aspect of our heritage which may have been previously overlooked; movie posters. This is an artform that reflects peoples' cultures, identities, customs and traditions, and keeps a record of their history, features, victories and defeats, their social life and joy and sorrow. It is an essential part of human heritage that we must preserve and maintain.”

The exhibition is the first digital exhibition organized by the Heritage Library at Qatar National Library and has seven sections in total: The Beginnings of Arab Cinema; Cinema and Literature; Cinema and Society; Historical Cinema and International Productions; National Films in Cinema; and Women and Cinema. A special section of the exhibition traces the development of cinema in the Gulf.

Dr. Al-Kawari continued: “What makes this exhibition truly unique and accessible to all is the modernity of Qatar National Library, represented by its entry into the digital world with the latest technology. The treasures of this library create a magnificent interactive cultural experience which is a must-see for lovers of art, film and history.”

Visiting Arab Cinema Posters: Art and Memory

For everyone’s safety, Library visits are currently by appointment only. Moreover, visitors will be allowed into the building only if they fulfill the following conditions:

Confirm their slot booking through the form below
Are between ages 13 and 60
Have a green status on the Ehteraz app
Have a temperature of no more than 37.8 degrees Celsius
Have a face mask or shield

Read more about visiting the Library, as well as frequently asked questions.

Background Information

Qatar National Library

Qatar National Library acts as a steward of Qatar’s national heritage by collecting, preserving and making available the country’s recorded history. In its role as a research library with a preeminent heritage library, the Library fosters and promotes greater global insight into the history and culture of the Gulf region. As a public library, we provide equal access for all of Qatar's residents to an environment that supports creativity, independent decision-making, and cultural development. Through all our functions, we provide leadership to the country’s library and cultural heritage sector.