About Studio 20Q

Studio 20Q is Northwestern University in Qatar’s student-led film production organization. We support students in developing, producing, and completing original short films outside the classroom through grants, mentorship, workshops, and community exhibition.

Our goal is to give students the space, structure, and support to take creative risks, build professional production experience, and bring ambitious stories to life.

Who We Are

Studio 20Q is run by students, for students, with the guidance of a Faculty Advisor. Each year, the Studio 20Q board oversees a competitive grant cycle that supports selected student films from development through post-production.

We work closely with filmmakers as they revise their scripts, build their teams, prepare their budgets, plan their shoots, complete production, and move toward the annual Studio 20Q Premiere.

Studio 20Q supports narrative, documentary, and experimental short films. We are especially interested in projects that show a clear creative vision, thoughtful storytelling, and a strong understanding of what it takes to produce the film responsibly.

Mission

Studio 20Q supports NU-Q students in creating original short films by providing funding, mentorship, production guidance, workshops, and exhibition opportunities.

We aim to create a structured and supportive environment where student filmmakers can develop their craft, collaborate with their peers, and experience the full process of making a film from idea to final screening.

Vision

Our vision is to build a lasting film culture at NU-Q: one where students are encouraged to take creative risks, tell meaningful stories, and gain the practical experience needed to grow as filmmakers.

We want Studio 20Q to be a place where students learn not only how to make films, but how to work with care, professionalism, collaboration, and respect for the communities and stories they represent.

What We Do

Studio 20Q provides selected student projects with production grants and structured support across every stage of the filmmaking process.

We support students through:

Development
Script feedback, story meetings, proposal support, and project refinement before production begins.

Pre-Production
Guidance on budgets, schedules, crew planning, locations, casting, production design, and shoot readiness.

Production
Support with set etiquette, production standards, policy compliance, and responsible on-set practices.

Post-Production
Guidance on editing timelines, credits, subtitles, exports, festival strategy, and preparation for the Studio 20Q Premiere.

Workshops and Masterclasses
Training sessions and conversations with filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals working across different areas of film production.

Community Exhibition
The Studio 20Q Premiere gives students the opportunity to share their completed films with the NU-Q community and celebrate the work of student filmmakers.