Doha Cements Its Place on Global Cinema Map with Launch of New International Film Festival
The cultural landscape of the Middle East is set for a significant evolution as the Doha International Film Festival prepares for its inaugural edition in November 2025. More than just a new event, the festival represents a strategic expansion, building upon a rich legacy to establish itself as a vital meeting point for international cinema lovers, a showcase for powerful stories, and a launchpad for a new generation of storytellers.
Rooted in the success of the Ajyal Film Festival, which for over a decade nurtured young audiences and fostered cultural dialogue, the new festival aims to embrace the vast opportunities of the global cinematic landscape. It carries forward the DNA of its predecessors while ambitiously scaling its scope and impact.
“The Doha International Film Festival is the next logical step in our continuous journey,” said a spokesperson from the Doha Film Institute (DFI). “Drawing inspiration from Ajyal, our goal is to provide a dynamic platform that amplifies creative voices, promotes empathy through cross-cultural understanding, and reaffirms our mission of supporting artistic expression that bridges communities.”
The festival’s vision is deeply informed by Doha’s established history with cinema. The journey began with the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (2009-2012), a partnership with New York’s Tribeca Enterprises that brought major international attention and introduced the pivotal “Made in Qatar” section for local talent. This was seamlessly followed by the Ajyal Film Festival from 2013 to 2024, which, over 12 editions, cemented its reputation as a unique cultural and educational experience, famously employing hundreds of young jurors to judge its competitions.
The final edition of Ajyal in 2024 showcased the solid foundation upon which the new festival is built, screening 66 films from 42 countries.
Scheduled for 20–28 November 2025, the Doha International Film Festival will unfold across iconic venues including Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Islamic Art, and Msheireb Downtown Doha. The program is designed to be both competitive and community-focused, featuring four main competitions: International Feature, International Short Film, the legacy-carrying Ajyal Competition (judged by a youth jury), and the cornerstone “Made in Qatar” section.
With a total prize purse exceeding USD 300,000, the festival aims to empower filmmakers and boost the global reach of their works. The vibrant schedule will also include panels, workshops, and dialogues with leading industry figures, alongside community events designed to engage Doha’s diverse audiences.
The Doha International Film Festival emerges as more than a cinematic showcase; it is positioned as a cultural dialogue, a creative bridge, and a dedicated stage for the future of Arab and global storytelling. With its strong foundation and bold ambitions, the festival is poised to become a cornerstone of the international film circuit, shaping the cinematic landscape for years to come. The cultural community now eagerly awaits the upcoming announcement of the festival’s official program, marking the next chapter in Doha’s cinematic story.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
