Doha Film Festival 2026: A Global Cinema Showcase Putting Arab Stories in the Spotlight

The Doha Film Festival 2026 is preparing to bring together filmmakers, cinema professionals and audiences from around the world from November 19 to 27, reaffirming Qatar’s growing role as a meeting point for international cinema and independent storytelling.

Organised by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), this year’s festival will showcase films from the Arab world and beyond, highlighting stories that explore identity, resilience, cultural diversity and the realities of contemporary life.

A powerful opening with The Station

The festival will open with The Station (Al Mahattah), the debut feature by Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sara Ishaq. Set in a women-only petrol station in war-torn Yemen, the film follows women who find a rare space for solidarity and connection amid uncertainty and conflict.

The selection reflects the festival’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and bringing regional stories to international audiences. The film previously premiered in competition at Cannes Critics’ Week in 2026.

International cinema at the heart of the programme

The 2026 International Feature Film Competition will present 15 films from across the Arab world, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Eleven of the selected films received support from the Doha Film Institute’s grants programme, while seven were directed by women.

The international selection demonstrates the diversity of contemporary independent cinema and its ability to explore social realities through different artistic perspectives.

The festival has also announced its international feature competition jury, led by Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase as president. The jury includes French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, Italian documentary filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi and Palestinian filmmaker and artist Kamal Aljafari.

A platform for emerging filmmakers

Beyond feature films, the festival’s programme includes an international short film competition, the Ajyal Film Competition and Made in Qatar, a section dedicated to filmmakers living in Qatar.

These programmes offer opportunities for emerging talent to present original work, connect with audiences and participate in a wider conversation about cinema. The Ajyal competition also places young people at the centre of the cinematic experience, encouraging critical thinking and cultural exchange through film.

Gala screenings, outdoor cinema and special presentations will further expand the festival’s reach, inviting audiences to discover a broad range of cinematic styles and perspectives.

Cinema as a bridge between cultures

At a time when cinema continues to shape conversations about identity, belonging and social change, the Doha Film Festival seeks to create a space where different experiences can be shared and understood.

For filmmakers from the Middle East and North Africa, the festival represents an opportunity to reach new audiences and bring stories rooted in local realities into an international context.

As Doha prepares to welcome the film community this November, the 2026 edition promises to place independent voices, cultural dialogue and the power of storytelling at the centre of its programme.

• Festival dates: November 19–27, 2026
• Location: Doha, Qatar
• Official website: https://www.dohafilm.com/