Doha Film Festival to have four competition strands with total of over USD 300,000 in prize money to reward artistic excellence.
Doha Film Institute (DFI) has unveiled the programming and awards lineup for the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), reaffirming its dedication to championing bold, original storytelling and amplifying underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives in global cinema. The announcement was made during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, marking the 15th anniversary of DFI, which was first launched in Cannes in 2010 by DFI Chair H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa.
Set to take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, the festival will offer over $300,000 in prize money and feature a vibrant official selection across four competition categories: the International Feature Film Competition, showcasing compelling new works by emerging and established filmmakers; the International Short Film Competition, which highlights innovative storytelling in short form; the Ajyal Film Competition, judged by a youth jury offering generational insight; and the Made in Qatar Competition, celebrating the creativity and talent of filmmakers based in Qatar.
The festival promises a multifaceted experience, with industry sessions, community screenings, youth-focused programming, and a variety of events that will transform Doha into a global hub for filmmakers, artists, and audiences united by a passion for thought-provoking cinema.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute and Festival Director, said: “Doha Film Festival is not only a celebration of cinema, but a platform for purpose-driven storytelling amplifying important voices that are redefining the global film landscape with depth, nuance, and truth.”
She added: “It is the next chapter in our continued mission to nurture independent filmmakers, inspire new perspectives and foster cultural dialogue through cinema. The festival will offer a vibrant meeting point for film lovers, a stage for powerful stories and a launchpad for a new generation of cinematic talent. DFF is an expansion of the strong foundation we built with Ajyal Film Festival as a unique platform for self-expression and creative empowerment, and we look forward to guests celebrating the unifying power of film with us in Doha this November.”
Each competition will feature awards that not only recognise excellence in filmmaking but also provide significant financial support and international exposure. The International Feature Film Competition will be adjudicated by a five-member jury and include awards such as Best Narrative ($75,000), Best Documentary ($50,000), Best Artistic Achievement ($45,000), and Best Performance ($15,000), along with a Special Mention certificate.
The International Short Film Competition, overseen by a three-member jury, will award Best Film – Narrative or Documentary ($20,000), Best Director ($12,000), and Best Performance ($7,000). Meanwhile, the Made in Qatar Competition will honor local talent with awards for Best Short – Narrative or Documentary ($15,000), Best Director ($10,000), and Best Performance ($5,000), further reflecting DFI’s strong commitment to supporting homegrown storytellers.
The Ajyal Film Competition, continuing its tradition within DFF, will feature a youth jury aged 16 to 25, who will present awards for Best Feature – Narrative or Documentary ($35,000) and Best Short – Narrative or Documentary ($12,000). An Audience Award, accompanied by a certificate and trophy, will also be presented during the festival.
DFF will activate iconic locations throughout Doha, with Katara Cultural Village set to host red carpet events and premieres, Msheireb Downtown Doha serving as the central hub for industry activities, and the Museum of Islamic Art providing an intimate venue for short film screenings.
The full festival programme, including jury members and competition film titles, will be revealed in the coming months.
