The selected films reflect the courage of Sudanese filmmakers who have captured both the struggles and the indomitable spirit of their people, while Sudanese musicians will bring the rhythms and sounds of their land to life on stage.
Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced a special showcase celebrating Sudanese culture at this year’s Doha Film Festival (DFF), honouring the creativity and resilience of a nation whose stories continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The showcase will feature a selection of Sudanese films and a live musical celebration titled Sounds of Sudan, offering festivalgoers an immersive experience into the country’s cinematic and musical heritage.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “The strong presence of Sudanese film and music at DFF 2025 underlines our commitment to bringing important narratives and amplifying crucial voices from the Global South. While the powerful films open a window to the vibrant and complex stories of Sudan, the music celebrates the resilience and creativity of its people. By including these diverse artistic expressions in the festival, we are creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange that transcends geographies and challenges prevailing narratives.”
The selected films highlight the courage and creativity of Sudanese filmmakers, who continue to document the struggles, hopes and spirit of their people despite ongoing challenges. Among the highlights in the International Feature Film Competition is Khartoum (Sudan/UK/Germany/Qatar), a collaborative documentary by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed and Philip Cox. The film captures the survival and pursuit of freedom through the dreams of five Khartoum residents displaced by war. Also featured is Cotton Queen by filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani, a coming-of-age drama following teenage Nafisa, who becomes the center of a struggle over genetically modified seeds that will determine the fate of her village—an ecological allegory steeped in local realities.
Complementing the film screenings, Sounds of Sudan will bring the nation’s vibrant music scene to life through performances by a dynamic lineup of artists including rapper Oddisee, soul artist Gaidaa, multi-instrumentalist Sammany Hajo and DJ Nedz. The concert celebrates the breadth of contemporary Sudanese music, from soulful melodies to genre-blending rhythms.
Oddisee (Amir Mohamed el Khalifa) is acclaimed for his sharp lyricism and fusion of jazz, funk and soul with socially aware hip-hop. Gaidaa, a Sudanese-Dutch singer-songwriter, is known for her emotive, soul-infused sound and deeply personal storytelling. Sammany Hajo, based in Qatar, bridges traditional Sudanese songs with modern styles such as soul, funk, and hip-hop, while DJ Nedz, an Egyptian-rooted, multi-genre artist, brings a global flair to her sets.
Running from November 20 to 28, 2025, the Doha Film Festival marks a new chapter in DFI’s mission to nurture regional talent and champion authentic stories that resonate across cultures. Iconic venues such as Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art will be transformed into cultural hubs, welcoming filmmakers, artists and audiences from around the world.
Through its diverse selection of films, live performances and thought-provoking discussions, DFF 2025 aims to reaffirm the transformative power of art—to inspire, to unite and to deepen understanding across borders—while celebrating Sudan’s profound contribution to the global creative landscape.
