Miramax has announced a partnership with Qatar’s nascent film entity The Film Committee at Media City Qatar to co-develop film and TV titles for the global market that are meant to raise the profile of Qatar’s entertainment industry.
Under the agreement the U.S. film and TV studio, which is owned by Qatar’s beIN Media Group and Paramount Global is currently executive producing the development of one original scripted series and one film. The deal has already led to the development of an Arabic adaptation of Miramax’s 2001 romantic comedy “Serendipity.”
All projects are being developed by Miramax’s regional MENA+T unit through its regional headquarters in Doha. The Doha-based outfit is managed by Lucy Dertavitian. “The projects are in various stages of development, with production timelines and release details to be announced in due course,” according to a statement.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Film Committee on this landmark collaboration,” said Miramax CEO
Jonathan Glickman in a statement, adding: “These projects embody our commitment to nurture original, authentic stories from the Arab world while creating premium content with global appeal.”
“This partnership marks an exciting step forward for Miramax, as we deepen our investment in the creative energy of the region,” Glickman went on to note.
The deal is one of several long-gestating agreements announced on Friday at the inaugural Doha Film Festival Industry Days, opened by Hassan Al Thawadi, the Qatari lawyer who chairs the Qatar Film Committee and oversaw the 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.
Al Thawadi in the statement said the Miramax partnership “personifies Qatar’s vision to develop the very best talent locally, regionally and in the wider region, showcasing authentic stories from the Arab world.”
“Working with an industry leader such as Miramax underlines Qatar’s ambition and commitment to build a world-class film industry right here in Doha,” he added.