The Doha Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute, has announced the distinguished members of the jury for its International Feature Film Competition, comprising five celebrated figures in global cinema.
Heading the jury is acclaimed Cambodian filmmaker and Academy Award nominee Rithy Panh, joined by Tunisian filmmaker and screenwriter Raja Amari, Moroccan director and actor Faouzi Bensaïdi, renowned Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, and Alessandra Speciale, founder and curator of the Final Cut program at the Venice International Film Festival.
The International Feature Film Competition underscores the festival’s commitment to supporting bold cinematic voices and fostering creative cultural connections, with a particular focus on the Global South. The jury will evaluate 13 films from the Arab world and beyond, showcasing outstanding achievements in storytelling, artistry, and creative vision.
Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, stated that the International Feature Film Competition jury embodies the essence of the Doha Film Festival — a space where storytellers transcend geographical boundaries to delve deep into the human experience.
“These exceptional artists share a passion for exploration and reflection,” she said. “They inspire dialogue and reaffirm cinema’s role as a living bridge that connects cultures and redefines the human narrative with renewed spirit.”
Al Remaihi added that despite their diverse cinematic approaches, the jury members are united by a shared belief in cinema’s transformative power to inspire and create change. Their insights, she noted, will be instrumental in amplifying vital voices reshaping the global cinematic landscape.
The jury will select the winners of the following awards: Best Narrative Feature (USD 75,000), Best Documentary Feature (USD 50,000), Best Artistic Contribution (USD 45,000), and Best Performance (USD 15,000). A Special Mention will also be awarded to an outstanding feature film—narrative or documentary.
The Doha Film Festival presents a diverse selection of films across four competitions: the International Feature Film Competition, spotlighting both emerging and established filmmakers from around the world; the International Short Film Competition, showcasing innovative storytelling in concise form; the Ajyal Competition, featuring fresh perspectives from the festival’s youth jury; and the Made in Qatar program, dedicated to Qatari filmmakers and residents in Qatar.
Running from November 20 to 28, the Doha Film Festival serves as a vibrant platform for international collaboration, artistic excellence, and the celebration of diverse creative voices in contemporary cinema. It marks a new chapter in the Doha Film Institute’s journey to nurture regional talent and support authentic, timely, and meaningful cinematic stories.
Throughout the festival, iconic landmarks across Doha — including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art — will transform into dynamic hubs of cultural exchange, uniting filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world in a shared celebration of the power of art to inspire, connect, and deepen our collective understanding.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
