Oscar-winning American director Steven Soderbergh underscored the timeless human connection to storytelling during a media briefing at Doha Film Festival (DFF), held ahead of the MENA debut of his new film The Christophers. Joined by British actress and creator Michaela Coel, Soderbergh spoke about the role of film festivals in preserving the cultural and emotional power of cinema.
“Human beings are wired for stories,” he said. “When cinema emerged more than a century ago, it quickly became the most dominant art form. Film festivals are one of the ways in which cinema continues to reach people. The DNA of telling a good story is common to all of us.”
As part of its programming from November 20–28, the festival hosted both Soderbergh and Coel for a press briefing ahead of the film’s regional premiere. “This will only be the second time the film has been seen anywhere,” Soderbergh shared. “We’re anxious to watch it with a new audience in a different part of the world.”
A Dark Comedy with a Stellar Cast
The Christophers a dark comedy starring Sir Ian McKellen, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning—centers on the estranged children of a famous artist who hire a forger to finish and sell his unfinished paintings. The film blends wit, tension, and emotional nuance, continuing Soderbergh’s reputation for genre-defying storytelling.
Soderbergh’s prolific career spans directing, cinematography, producing, and screenwriting. In 1989, he became the youngest solo director to win the Palme d’Or, and later secured Academy Awards for Erin Brockovich and Traffic, alongside directing global hits such as the Ocean’s trilogy.
Michaela Coel on Creativity and Courage
Coel, a groundbreaking actress, director, producer, and screenwriter, is best known for two television series she created, wrote, and starred in: Chewing Gum (2015-2017), which earned her a BAFTA for her performance, and I May Destroy You (2020), with which she made history as the first Black woman to win a Primetime Emmy for outstanding writing for a limited series.
Reflecting on her creative process, Coel shared: “When you dare to write your own darkness, you are, through that process, brought into a light. I can only encourage anybody to do the same.”
On her first visit to Doha, Coel highlighted the city’s potential to nurture international collaboration. “A lot of studios in America have their eye on Doha and I hope to be a part of that relationship.”
Running from 20–28 November 2025, Doha Film Festival marks a new chapter in the Doha Film Institute’s mission to support regional storytellers and amplify authentic voices in global cinema.
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