Headline by global Palestinian sensation Saint Levant, programme bridges cultures through live performances and discussions with global artists.
The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced a new music programme for the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), set to celebrate the intersection of film, music and cultural exchange through live performances by both emerging and established artists from around the world. Headlining this year’s line-up is Palestinian artist Saint Levant, whose blend of languages and genres has earned him international acclaim.
The initiative expands DFI’s vision of cinema as a multifaceted art form, positioning music not only as a storytelling tool but also as a powerful cultural bridge. It reinforces Qatar’s role as a global centre for artistic collaboration, where voices from diverse traditions come together to create shared moments of meaning and resonance.
Presented through three strands, Roots, Headliners and Scoring, the new programme invites audiences on an immersive exploration of sound and its deep connection to storytelling. Roots will spotlight emerging talent from the region and beyond, showcasing the creative pulse of the global music scene. Headliners will bring to the stage acclaimed regional and international artists whose performances transcend borders, while Scoring will highlight the relationship between film and music through live renditions of iconic cinematic compositions.
Commenting on the announcement, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “Our mission at DFI has always been to foster dialogue, creativity and understanding through the arts. Film and music are equal forces of expression with the ability to move, inspire, and transcend barriers. Our music programme celebrates the profound link between these art forms, offering audiences shared experiences that strengthen community bonds. Welcoming Saint Levant as a headline act is especially meaningful, as his music embodies the spirit of our mission to foster cultural dialogue through genuine connection. By uniting emerging and established artists from the region and beyond, we affirm our belief that creativity in all its forms can connect us all, regardless of background or geography.”
Known for his multilingual mix of Arabic, English and French, Palestinian singer-songwriter and rapper Saint Levant, born Marwan Abdelhamid, has become a defining voice of his generation. His music seamlessly merges rap, R&B and Middle Eastern influences, blending personal storytelling with universal themes of identity and belonging. His performance at DFF promises to be a highlight of the festival, capturing rhythm, heritage, and narrative in equal measure.
The programme’s diverse line-up reflects DFF’s commitment to cultural unity and artistic exploration. It will feature a blend of new and established voices from Qatar, the Arab world and beyond, offering audiences an opportunity to experience music as both an emotional and cultural connector. Running alongside the festival’s screenings, talks and cultural events, the music programme will deepen engagement with the arts in a collaborative and multidimensional setting.
Scheduled to take place from 20–28 November 2025, the Doha Film Festival marks a new chapter in DFI’s ongoing mission to nurture regional talent and champion authentic cinematic storytelling. Spread across Doha’s most iconic venues, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Museum of Islamic Art, the festival will transform the city into a vibrant crossroads of creativity, reaffirming the transformative power of art to unite, heal and inspire global dialogue.
