- “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” (2012) – This political thriller directed by Mira Nair is set in Lahore, Pakistan, and New York City but also features scenes set in Qatar. The film follows a young Pakistani man’s journey from a promising Wall Street career to becoming an academic and writer.
- “The Misfits” (2021) – Although primarily set in Dubai, this action-heist film directed by Renny Harlin includes a plotline that takes the characters to Qatar. The story revolves around a criminal group that plans to steal gold from corrupt billionaires.
- “Zinzana” (2015) – This Arabic thriller, directed by Majid Al Ansari, is set entirely in a prison in Qatar. The film centres on a man who finds himself trapped in a mysterious jail cell and must outsmart his captors in order to survive.
- “Theebs” (2014) – Also known as “Wolf,” this Jordanian/Qatari film is set in 1916 during World War I. It follows the journey of a young Bedouin boy who becomes a servant to an English army officer. The story showcases the landscapes of Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
- “Black Gold” (2011) – This epic drama directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud is set in the Arabian Peninsula and features parts of the story taking place in Qatar. The film explores the conflicts and power struggles surrounding the discovery of oil in the region during the early 20th century.
- “The Girl Who Fell to Earth” by Sophia Al-Maria – This memoir tells the story of the author, who grew up between Qatar and Washington State. The book explores her experiences navigating cultural differences and her identity as a mixed-race Arab American.
- “The Turtle Secret” by Nada Faris – Set in Doha, the capital of Qatar, this contemporary novel follows the lives of three characters as they navigate relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth amidst the changing landscape of the city.
- “The Marvellous Mirza Girls” by Shehan Karunatilaka – While not exclusively set in Qatar, parts of this novel take place in both Sri Lanka and Qatar. It revolves around the lives of the Mirza family, who lead unconventional lives, and their journey of self-discovery.
- “The Doha Experiment” by Gary Wasserman – This novel offers a behind-the-scenes perspective of life in Doha, Qatar. It follows the story of an American political scientist who moves to Qatar with his wife and becomes embroiled in a political scandal.
- “The Messenger” by Moonkoom Jin – Set in a dystopian future, this science fiction novel takes place in a fictional city in Qatar. It portrays a society oppressed by a totalitarian regime, and the protagonist’s journey to seek liberation and challenge the status quo.
WANDERLIST: Qatar in books and on film
0
Share.
