The Doha Film Institute will co-finance Hany Abu Assad's biopic film based on the story of Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf .
The Academy Award-nominated director's film entitled "Ya Tayr El Tayr" or "The Idol" tells the story of Palestinian singer Assaf's meteoric rise to fame through competing on and winning Arab Idol in 2013. It will premier at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Previously, the Doha Film Institute co-financed Salma Hayek's animated adaption of beloved Lebanese author Khalil Gibran's classic " The Prophet ."
“Hany Abu Assad is one of the most significant filmmakers from the Arab world and we are honored to be partners on 'The Idol,'" Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi said, according to a press release.
“Mohammed Assaf’s remarkable story, the many struggles he had to overcome, and his love and commitment to his family and community in Gaza had a powerful impact on us."
In an effort to strengthen the film industry of Qatar by facilitating the collaboration and development for local filmmakers, the institute seeks to co-finance projects that are not only culturally relevant but also commercially viable.
The institute has supported more than 220 films from Middle East and North African and international filmmakers since 2010 through its grants program.