The key facts
- Geekend is part of the Doha Film Institute's Geekdom programme; according to founder Abdulla Al-Mosallam, artists, writers and animators meet at the festival and begin joint projects.
- Abdulrahman Al-Khomaizi (Majlis Shabab) presented a modern version of the traditional game Dama; the company also creates original games.
- Khalifa Al-Kharoun (Store974) highlighted the role of in-person meetings for fans and artists' booths; at the Japanese embassy's booth guests tried on kimonos.
Pop-culture festival in Doha
The Geekend festival, organised by the Doha Film Institute, brought together gamers, artists and pop-culture fans. According to Euronews, this edition places special emphasis on art: the festival features booths where creators can display and sell their works — from posters to small handmade items.
The Geekdom programme and joint projects
Geekend is part of the institute's Geekdom programme. Its founder, Abdulla Al-Mosallam, said that it is precisely at such gatherings that artists, writers and animators get to know one another and then begin working together on new projects.
Board games and traditional Dama
In the board games zone, Abdulrahman Al-Khomaizi, founder of Majlis Shabab, demonstrated a version of the traditional game Dama, which his team has redesigned in a modern style. The company also develops its own original games, seeking to bring people together around one table for conversation and shared play.
In-person meetings and cosplayers
Khalifa Al-Kharoun, founder of the Store974 chain of gaming stores, stressed that in-person meetings give fans the chance to make friends and find like-minded people. Cosplayers come to the festival dressed as their favourite characters, including heroes of Japanese anime. At the Japanese embassy's booth, visitors could try on a kimono and learn more about the culture behind popular stories and games.
