Doha Film Festival Unveils 15‑Film Competition Lineup
The festival will feature 15 titles, mostly Middle East premieres, with seven directed by women.
In Brief
- •The festival will feature 15 titles, mostly Middle East premieres, with seven directed by women.
- •The opening film is Sara Ishaq’s drama “The Station,” set to premiere on Nov. 19‑27 in Doha.
- •Four Palestinian films—“Thirteen in Gaza,” “Sama,” “Conversations with the Sea,” and a fourth—compete in the lineup.
- •Top prizes include $75,000 for best narrative, $50,000 for documentary, $45,000 for artistic achievement, and $15,000 for performance acting.
- •Eleven of the 15 titles receive support from the Doha Film Institute.
Why It Matters
The Doha Film Festival’s expanded lineup underscores Qatar’s commitment to showcasing regional cinema and amplifying under‑represented voices, particularly women filmmakers. By offering substantial monetary awards and institutional backing, the festival positions itself as a pivotal platform for Middle Eastern and global independent cinema, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening Qatar’s soft‑power outreach.
Key Details
- Festival Dates
- Nov. 19‑27, 2026
- Competition Titles
- 15
- Women Directors
- 7
- Narrative Prize
- $75,000
- Documentary Prize
- $50,000
- Artistic Achievement Prize
- $45,000
- Performance Acting Prize
- $15,000
- DFI Support
- 11 of 15 titles
Original Reporting & Sources
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