In a joyous ceremony attended by prominent figures and filmmakers from around the world, the Doha Film Festival 2025 concluded by honoring global storytellers and emerging talents in its official competitions. The Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature went to The City That Never Sleeps, while the Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature was awarded to Baba and Gaddafi, marking a celebration of both local and international cinematic excellence.
The closing ceremony was graced by His Excellency Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Development Fund and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Doha Film Institute; His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar; His Excellency Mr. Hassan Al Thawadi, CEO of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library; Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi, CEO of Museums Qatar; and other dignitaries, including senior cultural and media figures.
The ceremony was hosted by Sudanese filmmaker and presenter Amjad Al Nour and Syrian-American comedian Nasser Al-Rais, and featured participation from renowned filmmakers and cultural leaders such as Saleh Bakri, Kamel Jaffri, Saja Kilani, Maysan Hariman, Elia Suleiman, Brigitte Lacombe, Rithy Panh, and Dhafer El Abidine.
Fatima Hassan Al Rumaihi, Festival Director and CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said in her closing remarks: “As this edition concludes, we reaffirm Qatar’s steadfast commitment to supporting new voices and courageous, innovative storytelling. Every film shown this year reminded us that cinema remains one of the greatest bridges connecting humanity, transcending boundaries and cultural differences, and promoting our shared vision of empathy and solidarity.”
Winners of the Doha Film Festival 2025:
International Feature Film Competition:
- Best Narrative Feature: The City That Never Sleeps (Guillermo Gallo)
- Best Documentary Feature: Baba and Gaddafi (Jehan)
- Best Performance: Majd Eid and Nader Abdulhadi (Once Upon a Time in Gaza)
- Best Artistic Achievement: Kamel Jaffri (With Hassan in Gaza) and Chi Hyakawa (Renoir)
- Special Mention: The Reserve (Pablo Pérez Lombardini)
International Short Film Competition:
- Best Film: Samba Infinito (Leonardo Martinelli)
- Best Performance: Melicha Janvski (At Sunrise)
- Best Director: Aria Sanchez & Marina Mira (Primary Education)
- Special Mentions: Al Mina (Randa Maroufi), Ammar Ahmed (Zizo)
Made in Qatar Competition:
- Best Film: Fahd Al-Ghadib (Justin Kramer)
- Best Director: Iman Mirghani (Villa 187)
- Best Performance: Rashid Al Shaib (Fahd Al-Ghadib)
- Special Mention: Aisha Project (Fahd Al Nahdi)
Generations Competition:
- Best Feature Film: Hind Rajab’s Voice (Kawthar Ben Hania)
- Best Short Film: Suleimani (Fini Ann Bouz)
- Audience Award: Queen of Cotton (Suzanna Mirghani)
Over a week, the festival showcased 97 inspiring films from 62 countries, alongside interactive activities, music performances, and community-focused events. The festival took place at several Doha venues, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Heart of Doha, Lusail Promenade, and the Museum of Islamic Art, with the support of key partners including Katara Cultural Village, Media City Qatar, and Visit Qatar.
Jury panels highlighted the outstanding creativity and social impact of the films, emphasizing that cinema continues to serve as a powerful bridge between cultures and a platform for fostering understanding, empathy, and human connection.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
