In a significant cultural initiative, Qatar Museums has inaugurated the “Your Ghosts Are Mine, Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices” exhibition at the prestigious Venice Biennale, now in its 60th year. This bold endeavour showcases the burgeoning talent of filmmakers and video artists from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia, enriching the global discourse on contemporary film and video art.

Hosted at the ACP Palazzo Franchetti until November 24, the exhibition offers an evocative journey through a collection of films that speak to themes of community, memory, exile, and transnational experiences. The initiative is a collaboration between Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the future Art Mill Museum, and ACP Art Capital Partners, with substantial backing from Media City Qatar.

The curatorial expertise of Matthieu Orléan, Majid Al-Remaihi, and Virgile Alexandre, coupled with the innovative exhibition design by Federico Martelli and Clément Périssé, sets the stage for an immersive experience. The exhibition’s strategic curation underscores the rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with the collective experiences of diverse cultures facing shared challenges.

“Your Ghosts Are Mine” features an impressive roster of over 40 artists, including luminaries like Faouzi Bensaidi, Jessica Beshir, and Shirin Neshat. Their works span various genres, such as fiction, documentary, animation, and memoir. This eclectic mix highlights the artistic diversity and the depth of storytelling these filmmakers bring to the global stage.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and the Doha Film Institute, articulated the exhibition’s core mission: “Your Ghosts Are Mine will open the eyes of international viewers to the ideas, feelings, and artistic visions of today’s filmmakers from the Arab world and neighbouring regions.” She emphasized the exhibition’s role in fostering international understanding and celebrating the nuanced voices of the Global South.

This exhibition is not merely a showcase but a vibrant platform for dialogue and understanding across borders, reflecting Qatar Museums’ commitment to nurturing the cultural landscape and supporting emerging talent. The associated schedule of film screenings further enriches the audience’s engagement, offering more profound insights into the complex and dynamic worlds depicted in these works.

In conclusion, as Venice becomes a melting pot of artistic expression, Qatar Museums’ latest exhibition stands as a beacon of cultural exchange and creative innovation. It is a testament to the power of film and art in bridging divides and illustrating the universal threads of human experience.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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