Doha is gearing up to host a new edition of the Doha Film Festival from November 19 to 27, 2026, bringing together films competing across four main competitions, alongside a diverse program of screenings and cinema-related events.
This year’s edition introduces a new dimension to the festival’s program following the announcement by the Doha Film Institute, the festival’s organizer, of a partnership with the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). The federation will form a three-member critics’ jury to present a special award within the International Feature Film Competition, bringing independent critical perspectives into the competition alongside the festival’s official juries and audience.
The new edition will retain its financial awards, as well as red-carpet premieres, special screenings and outdoor cinema events. The program will also feature activities organized by the Ajyal Film Club and a range of public events, creating a platform that combines film competition with dialogue around cinema and its creators.
‘The Station’ to Open the Festival
Among the highlights announced for this year’s program is the selection of The Station as the festival’s opening film, marking the movie’s Middle East and North Africa premiere.
The feature marks the first feature-length narrative film by Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sarah Ishaq. The film previously took part in the Critics’ Week section of the Cannes Film Festival after winning five awards at the 2025 Venice Film Festival’s Final Cut section, including the La Biennale di Venezia Award for Best Film in Post-Production. It also received support through the Doha Film Institute’s Grants Program.
The selection of The Station as the opening film adds both a regional and international dimension to the festival. The film is closely connected to the region through its story and creators, while having already made its way onto the international festival circuit, from Cannes to Venice, before making its regional premiere at the Doha Film Festival.
The Doha Film Institute announced its partnership with FIPRESCI on September 16, with the three-member critics’ jury set to view films competing in the International Feature Film Competition and select the recipient of the federation’s award.
The FIPRESCI award will be presented independently of the official awards decided by the festival’s juries, adding an independent critical perspective to the competition. The Doha Film Institute has yet to announce the names of the three critics who will serve on the jury.
TunisianMonitorNews (Douha Essaafi)
