New film ‘The Maker: A Journey of Bisht’ celebrates Qatari heritage celebrated in
Qatar’s growing film industry is showcasing its cultural depth through The
Maker: A Journey of Bisht, a locally produced feature that highlights one of
the nation’s most iconic traditions.
The film tells the story of a young American traveller who embarks on a
journey with two Qatari artisans, discovering the intricate art of bisht-making—a
craft that embodies heritage, identity, and craftsmanship.
The production brought together a strong network of collaborators: Bisht
Aljazeera provided authentic craftsmanship; Media City and Visit Qatar
supported logistics; Doha Casting Project oversaw talent selection; and the Qatar
Film Community (QtrFilm) designed the marketing strategy. The project also
received a prestigious Doha Film Institute grant, underscoring its cultural and
artistic significance.
Directed by Abdulrahman Al Mana, a Qatari filmmaker whose career includes
roles in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2024 organising committees,
the film reflects both international expertise and a passion for preserving
Qatari culture. Al Mana’s work has earned him recognition at the Greece Athena
Film Festival and the Swedish International Film Festival. A graduate with
honours in Film and TV Production from Keele University in the UK, he continues
to bridge global storytelling with Qatari heritage.
“I am always eager to contribute to building a bright future for Qatar and
advancing the vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
through Qatar National Vision 2030,” Al Mana said.
The film is produced under Al Mana Film Studios, the first Qatari studio dedicated to independent filmmaking. Based in Doha and part of the SCALE7 Acceleration Programme by Qatar Development Bank, the studio is committed to nurturing talent, strengthening Qatar’s cultural footprint, and sharing local stories with global audiences.
Source: Qatar Tribune