The award recognises influential industry leaders whose contributions have raised the profile of Arab cinema on the global stage.
In honor of her contributions to the development of Qatari, Arab and international cinema, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) will present its sixth Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award to Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, taking place from May 13 to 24.
The ACC established the award to spotlight key figures in the industry who have played an instrumental role in elevating Arab cinema on the global stage. Since taking the helm of the DFI in 2014, Alremaihi has been at the forefront of its mission to develop a vibrant film culture in Qatar and the wider region. Her leadership has seen the creation of cornerstone initiatives such as the Ajyal Film Festival and Qumra, both designed to support and mentor emerging filmmakers.
Alremaihi, a Doha native and English Literature graduate from Qatar University, joined the DFI at its founding in 2009. She has since been deeply involved in developing talent and fostering global industry partnerships. Her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in cinema has earned her a place on Variety International’s list of the 500 most influential business leaders in global entertainment.
In a joint statement, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Co-founders of Arab Cinema Centre, said: “We take immense pride in honouring Fatma Hassan Alremaihi with the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award. Since assuming her position, she has made noteworthy efforts to advance the Qatari, Arab, and global film industries.”
DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi added: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition, which reflects the spirit of a young nation committed to building a dynamic film industry that captures the world’s imagination. At the DFI, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and transform. This award not only strengthens our commitment to nurturing diverse voices and cultivating a rich cultural legacy but also reaffirms Qatar’s unwavering dedication to championing global storytelling — narratives that transcend borders and unite communities around the world.”
Beyond her role at the DFI, Alremaihi is also a member of the Advisory Committee for Qatar Museum’s Lusail Museum and has served on juries at major international film festivals including Sarajevo, Antalya, Nara and Mumbai. In recognition of her cultural contributions, she was also awarded the Officier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.
The DFI, an independent nonprofit cultural organisation, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s creative industries, supporting over 900 film projects from more than 75 countries through grants and co-financing. Notable films backed by the institute include It Must Be Heaven, Capernaum, Theeb, Memoria, and The Salesman — all of which have garnered international acclaim.
In previous years, the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year award has been given to prominent figures such as Mohannad Al-Bakri, Mouhamad Keblawi, Chiraz Latiri, Mohamed Hefzy and the duo Abdulhamid Juma and Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
