The Doha Film Festival commenced Thursday in Qatar, marked by the Middle East premiere of Kaouther Ben Hania’s gripping drama “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and a slate of regional debuts including Steven Soderbergh’s dark comedy “The Christophers,” with both Soderbergh and Michaela Coel in attendance. The appearance of Steven Soderbergh at Doha Film Festival, alongside other notable guests, underscores Qatar’s ambition to strengthen its position within the global film industry.
Notable Premieres and International Talent Arrive in Qatar
The festival‘s opening spotlighted Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s politically charged film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which recounts the tragic story of a young Palestinian girl in Gaza. This screening symbolizes Qatar’s continued role as a mediator in critical regional issues, such as its engagement in cease-fire dialogues involving Israel and Hamas. Alongside Soderbergh, acclaimed actor Rami Malek traveled to Doha, bringing further international visibility. Malek, recognized as the first actor of Egyptian heritage to win an Oscar for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” adds to the festival’s star power.
A Platform for Regional and International Cinema
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” previously debuted at the Gaza International Festival for Women’s Cinema in Deir Al-Balah, amidst the aftermath of conflict, but its broader regional launch is now taking place in Doha. Kaouther Ben Hania expressed her appreciation for the film’s showcase at the festival, stating,
“I’m very happy that the movie is launching from Doha, who wanted the [regional] premiere,”
Ben Hania told Variety. She acknowledged Doha’s organizers for supporting Gaza’s initial screening, providing flexibility to accommodate urgent local needs.
The festival’s program also includes films foregrounding Palestinian stories, such as
“Once Upon a Time in Gaza”
by Arab Nasser and Tarzan Nasser, and Kamal Aljafari’s documentary “With Hasan in Gaza.” Competition highlights extend to Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake” (representing Iraq at the Oscars), the documentary “Khartoum” about Sudanese residents displaced by conflict, and Iranian director Ali Asgari’s “Divine Comedy,” which examines censorship in Iranian film.
Special Screenings and Homegrown Ambitions
In addition to “The Christophers,” Doha’s special screenings feature Jim Sheridan’s courtroom drama “Re-Creation,” Andy Mundy-Castle’s documentary on Misan Harriman (“Shoot the People”), and Yasser Ashour’s “My Story,” documenting Syrian actor Jamal Soliman’s political journey. Soliman is set to be honored at the festival’s opening. Further illustrating Qatar’s cultural ambitions, the festival will debut the Qatari thriller “Sa3oud Wainah,” directed by Mohammed Al-Ibrahim and produced by Katara Studios.
The festival’s guest list boasts prominent names such as Turkish television actors Engin Altan Duzyatan (“Resurrection: Ertuğrul”) and Hazal Kaya (“Midnight at the Pera Palace”), multi-talented Dorra Zarrouk, and Palestinian stars Saleh Bakri and Hiam Abbass, connecting the Arab world’s creative communities with global cinema.
An Expanded Vision for Doha Film Festival
The Doha Film Festival, managed by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), transforms the former Ajyal Film Festival—previously focused on youth and family-friendly programming—into a broader international cinematic event. It now features four competition sections: international feature, short film, the Ajyal youth-juried competition, and the Made in Qatar competition highlighting local productions regardless of directors’ origins. With a total prize pool exceeding $300,000, the festival rivals the region’s other major events, such as Saudi Arabia‘s Red Sea Film Festival.
The festival’s run from November 20 to 28 adds to a busy Arab film festival season, coinciding with major events in Cairo, Marrakech, and Jeddah. Steering this transition, DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi explained the festival’s evolution and intent:
“As Qatar’s cultural presence expands and the regional film landscape matures, we saw an opportunity to elevate our festival offering. Doha Film Festival (DFF) builds on Ajyal’s success but introduces broader industry engagement, global programming and new pathways for cultural exchange,”
Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi, DFI CEO, told Variety.
Industry Programs and Regional Links
Although the Doha Film Festival lacks a formal market, the DFI operates “Qumra,” an incubator event and co-production market fostering emerging Arab directors’ projects. Qumra has already reached its 11th edition, with previous mentors such as Johnnie To, Walter Salles, and Darius Khondji guiding participants. The festival’s industry-oriented programming, presented by the Qatar Film Committee—a body under Media City Qatar—features panels led by figures like former MSNBC journalist Mehdi Hassan (founder of Zeteo), Egyptian journalist and Palestinian rights advocate Rahma Zein, and Emmy-nominated journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin of Vice and HBO.
Doha Film Festival’s Growing Cultural Influence
Qatar’s endeavor to boost its cultural footprint evolves alongside shifts in its economic priorities, as highlighted by ventures such as Al Jazeera and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The growth of the Doha Film Institute and the festival reflects Qatar’s aim to become a pivotal player in the Middle East and North Africa’s creative industries. The festival promises not only a global platform for regional filmmakers but also opportunities for international collaboration and dialogue. The coming days will reveal how effectively the event advances Qatar’s objectives in the cultural and entertainment spheres, and whether the arrival of talents like Steven Soderbergh at Doha Film Festival will accelerate its emergence as a leading industry destination.
