DTFF Executive Director Amanda Palmer and director Martin Scorsese

Fleishman-Hillard (FH) Hong Kong has been appointed as the APAC agency for the Doha Film Institute (DFI) to manage public relations across 11 markets in the region.

FH will join strategic consulting agency teams in US, Europe and Doha to promote DFI to global audiences.

The public relations will focus across all key initiatives of Qatar’s first ever film institute, kicking off the campaign by focusing on its annual festival, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), then continuing to promote the Institute’s film financing, production and year round educational programs.

Launched in 2009, DTFF, a cultural partnership between DFI and Tribeca Enterprises, is a community minded film festival which celebrates Qatar’s year round activities, and this year represents the second successful year of the festival. The 2010 edition of DTFF will run from 26-30 October.

Amanda Palmer, executive director of DFI said, “Through the Doha Film Institute’s annual festival, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, and other community initiatives aimed at giving Middle Eastern film-makers a voice, the Doha Film Institute has quickly established a strong presence in Middle East film community. The Institute’s Doha Tribeca Film Festival is regarded as a flagship cultural event in the region, and this year’s festival promises to provide audiences with an exciting line-up of both international and regional films that highlight the issues and stories of the Middle East.

“We chose FH to help us promote our festival in Asia because of their strategic thinking, understanding of the film festival environment and passion for the film industry. Their support will help us communicate the enriching value and multi-level experience of the festival to the community in APAC.”

Rachel Catanach, SVP, Senior Partner and general manager at Fleishman-Hillard Hong Kong said, “Fleishman-Hillard is delighted to be part of DFI, helping to strengthen Asian appreciation of Middle Eastern films and filmmaking talent. There are many parallels between the challenges faced by filmmakers here and in the Middle East. The Institute’s annual festival, DTFF is a great opportunity for a cultural exchange of ideas, building on the increasingly strong trading relationship between the two regions.”

About the Doha Film Institute

The Doha Film Institute (DFI), founded in 2010 by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, is an umbrella organization aiming to bring all of Qatar’s film initiatives under one banner. As Qatar’s first international organization dedicated to film, DFI’s focus is to make Qatar a cultural and educational centre with a sustainable film industry.

DFI's initiatives include funding film and television productions, supporting year-round education and film appreciation programmes, and the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival. DFI's cultural partners include New York's Tribeca Enterprises, Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Foundation and Mira Nair’s 'Maisha' Filmmaker Labs.

Along with its Founder, DFI’s leadership also includes H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahad Al-Thani, H.E. Dr. Hassan Al-Nimah, H.E. Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousuf Al Thani and Executive Director Amanda Palmer.

All of DFI's initiatives can be found at: www.dohafilminstitute.com

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading public relations firms, is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment.

Based in the U.S., the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America through its 80 owned offices.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com), a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company.