THE PEARL
Noor Al-Nasr
Writer: Noor Al-Nasr, Dana Atrach
Doha Film Institute, Qatar
When a tech-obsessed Qatari teen who is disconnected from his family travels back in time to an era before his beloved technology existed and pearl diving was the main source of income.
We live in a world where social technology can ironically disconnects us from our family and those around us. THE PEARL tells the story of a modern-day, tech-obsessed Qatari teenage boy that travels back in time to an era before his beloved technology existed in order to learn how to appreciate face-to-face communication and reconnect with his family. KHALID (14) takes his family – especially his GRANDFATHER – for granted. While at the beach, absorbed in his mobile screen, Khalid fails to notice his sister drowning until it’s too late. His attempt to rescue her finds him rescued instead -- by Qatari pearl divers in colonial Doha. The year is 1930. With none of the technological resources he’s accustomed to having at his fingertips, Khalid must learn how to communicate and rely on the kindness of other people in order to survive. He strikes up an unexpected relationship with a Pearling Captain who mentors him in the art of compassion and appreciating one’s family. Khalid’s compassion and appreciation for the Captain is put to the test when only he – with his modern knowledge – can help save the Captain’s family from financial ruin. In doing so, Khalid magically finds his way back home again – this time with greater
understanding of his roots, more appreciation for his family, and compassion for his grandfather.
Director’s biography: Noor Al-Nasr
Noor Al-Nasr is a graphic designer, writer and an aspiring film maker. She has always been interested in art in all it's forms especially the moving picture. Three of her shorts has participated locally in Ajyal film festival 2014, 2016 and 2017 as well as Cannes Film Festival for two of the films.
She is currently working on the development of her first feature film.
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Producer/ Co-producer
Director’s statement
The story of THE PEARL is a reflection of what is happening today, as youth are becoming more tech-savvy and more invested in their smartphones then in their surroundings. Qatar is becoming a global destination, and with that the identity of its culture is being challenged, especially between generations. Before technology took over, we lived in simpler times when the moment was lived and genuine relationships between people existed. I believe my generation is considered the last to have lived without technology, using our imagination to occupy our time as children. It saddens me to see the next generation growing up with technology that eliminates human contact. The story was inspired by my grandfather, who was a pearling captain. Unfortunately I never met him because he passed away before I was born. Growing up, I heard many stories about what he was like, and I wondered how it would it have been to have known him during that interesting period of time in our history.
Production Company profile
DOHA FILM INSTITUTE is Qatar's first international organisation dedicated to film financing, production, education and the Film Festivals.
Email: kbenkirane@dohafilminstitute.com