• Remaining true to the Institute’s core mission of empowering underrepresented talent, Festival to champion important and authentic voices from around the world
• Doha Film Festival to have four competition strands with total of over USD 300,000 in prize money to reward artistic excellence  
• Building on Ajyal’s successful foundation, Doha Film Festival provides a platform for independent, visionary filmmaking and meaningful cultural exchange  

Cannes, France – Doha-Qatar; May 19, 2025: Doha Film Institute (DFI) today announced the programming and awards sections for the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), reaffirming its commitment to fostering bold, original storytelling and spotlighting underrepresented cinematic voices and diverse perspectives from around the world.

The announcement was made during the 78th Cannes Film Festival which marks the 15th anniversary of Doha Film Institute, first announced in Cannes in 2010 by DFI Chair H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa.

With a total prize money of over US$300,000, DFF will feature a dynamic official selection of films in four competition strands: International Feature Film Competition, showcasing powerful new works by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world; International Short Film Competition, highlighting innovative storytelling in a concise format; Ajyal Film Competition, judged by the festival’s unique youth jury that offer fresh, generational perspectives; and the Made in Qatar Competition, dedicated to celebrating the creativity and talent of filmmakers based in Qatar.

Running from November 20-28, 2025, the festival will also feature industry sessions, community screenings with a special programme for youth, and a range of engaging events, transforming Doha into a vital global meeting point for filmmakers, thought leaders, artists and audiences passionate about thought provoking cinema.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute and Festival Director, said: “Doha Film Festival is not only a celebration of cinema, but a platform for purpose-driven storytelling amplifying important voices that are redefining the global film landscape with depth, nuance, and truth.”

“It is the next chapter in our continued mission to nurture independent filmmakers, inspire new perspectives and foster cultural dialogue through cinema. The festival will offer a vibrant meeting point for film lovers, a stage for powerful stories and a launchpad for a new generation of

cinematic talent. DFF is an expansion of the strong foundation we built with Ajyal Film Festival as

a unique platform for self-expression and creative empowerment, and we look forward to guests celebrating the unifying power of film with us in Doha this November.” she added.

DFF will retain popular elements of Ajyal while introducing new dimensions and represents the next step in Qatar's journey of cultural leadership, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and dialogue to benefit the global film community.

Selected films will span a wide range of genres and themes, unified by a shared commitment to authenticity, artistic vision, and cultural relevance. Each competition will present awards that recognize excellence in filmmaking and provide meaningful support through funding and international exposure.

At the heart of the festival are four main competition sections, each with distinguished international juries: the International Feature Film Competition jury will consist of five industry experts selecting winners in Best Narrative (with a prize money of US$75,000), Best Documentary (US$50,000), Best Artistic Achievement for feature narrative or documentary (US$45,000), and Best Performance (US$15,000) categories. A certificate of Special Mention will also be presented to a feature narrative or documentary.

In the International Short Film Competition, judged by a three-member jury, films will compete for Best Film – Narrative or Documentary (US$20,000), Best Director (US$12,000), and Best Performance (US$7,000).

Made in Qatar Competition will celebrate talent based in Qatar with awards for Best Short – Narrative or Documentary (US$15,000), Best Director (US$10,000) and Best Performance (US$5,000) reinforcing DFI's commitment to celebrating homegrown storytellers.

Continuing the proud legacy and tradition of Ajyal, Ajyal Film Competition with a youth jury aged 16-25 will have an important presence at Doha Film Festival presenting awards for Best Feature – Narrative or Documentary (US$35,000) and Best Short – Narrative or Documentary (US$12,000).

An Audience Award will also be presented during the festival with the winner receiving a certificate and trophy.

Doha Film Festival will transform iconic locations across Doha into dedicated festival venues. Katara Cultural Village will host red carpet events and premieres, while Msheireb Downtown Doha will become the central hub for industry sessions and special events. The Museum of Islamic Art will present an intimate setting for short film screenings.

The complete festival programme, jury members and competition titles will be announced in the coming months.