Qatar Stars

QATAR STARS is the first feature documentary about girls in Qatar. It offers a textured observational story of girlhood in all its joys and growing pains, through intimate access to a multinational, girls-only rhythmic gymnastics school in Doha, led by a former Russian gymnast. Girls from Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, Ukraine, and UK grow up onscreen over four years, changing from wiggly nine-year-olds to maturing teens who must navigate an evolving gendered world around them. The girls experience both triumphs and heartaches, to ultimately form an unbreakable bond. Meanwhile, exacting coach Tatiana undergoes her own unexpected professional and personal transformation that challenges her sense of strength and identity.

Director/Producer/Camera:

Danielle Beverly

Producer:

Jawaher AlMoawda

“…a fresh and captivating perspective on the lives of girls in Qatar, beautifully capturing their joys and challenges…this film will have a transformative impact on sparking meaningful conversations about gender and culture in the Middle East.”
– Dr. Esmat Zaidan, Associate Professor, College of Public Policy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University

“…a moving portrait of a unique community told with care and authenticity.”
– Kristy Guevara-Flanagan, Professor, Documentary Department of Film and Television, ULCA

“…presents a complex portrayal of girlhood and sport from inside an international community in Doha, Qatar. Her unyielding camera invites us to witness the girls’ hard work and triumphs as they navigate the rigors of coaching and competition.”
– Laura Kissel, Professor, Media Arts School of Visual Art and Design, University of South Carolina