Doha Film Institute’s first Doha Film Festival (DFF) will be held from November 20th to 28th this year, offering over $300,000 prize money across four competitive strands.
The four competitive strands of the festival announced today (May 17th) at Cannes are: International Shot Film Competition. An ajal film competition judged by the festival’s youth judges. Qatar competition for filmmakers based in Qatar.
The festival will also feature industry sessions, community screenings with dedicated youth programs, and additional film events.
The DFF will be held at locations in Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, for red carpet events and premieres. Msheireb Downton for industry sessions and special events. and the Islamic Museum for short film screenings.
First announced last November, DFF retains elements of ajal focused on youth and adds a new dimension to aim for cultural exchange and dialogue in the global film community.
The five ju judges for the international convention will select winners such as Best Narrative ($75,000 Awards), Best Documentary ($50,000), Best Artistic Achievement ($45,000), Best Performance ($15,000), Special References and more.
The Made in Catar competition presents awards for Best Short ($15,000), Best Director ($10,000) and Best Performance ($5,000).
The festival also receives an Audience Award. The complete festival programme will be announced in the coming months.
“The Doha Film Festival is not only a cinema celebration, but also a platform for purpose-driven storytelling that amplifies key voices that are redefine the global cinema landscape with depth, nuance and truth,” says DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alemaihi.
“It is the next chapter in our ongoing mission to nurture independent filmmakers, encourage new perspectives and promote cultural dialogue through film. The festival offers a vibrant gathering point for film enthusiasts, a powerful story setting, and a launchpad for a new generation of film talent. The power of cinema with us in Doha this November.”
DFI continues to hold annual QUMRA development events in the spring. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Doha Film Institute, first announced in Cannes by DFI Chairman Sheikha Al Mayassa.
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