The selection includes narratives and documentaries from emerging and established filmmakers supported by DFI.
Doha Film Institute has announced a lineup of seven feature films supported by the Institute for the Qumra 2025 screenings programme, running until April 9. These critically acclaimed works represent some of the most distinctive and bold independent voices in emerging cinema.
Now in its 11th edition, Qumra continues to serve as a dynamic incubator for cinematic talent, presenting 49 projects from 23 countries, including several from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers. The programme underscores Qatar’s growing creative footprint and the Institute’s commitment to nurturing emerging storytellers.
The Qumra 2025 Screenings will be open to the public, with tickets available for individual events or Qumra Passes granting access to the full programme—including masterclasses by an esteemed group of Qumra Masters 2025: acclaimed filmmakers and artists Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas, and Johnnie To.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “Qumra 2025 Screenings highlights our ongoing commitment to powerful storytelling that pushes creative boundaries and amplifies diverse perspectives. These films present the artistic vision and technical expertise of emerging filmmakers from across the world who are making significant contributions to cinema. We are honoured to have supported their journey and to open doors to a wider audience for their films at Qumra.”
Rising Up at Night (Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar) by Nelson Makengo examines the hope, disappointment and religious faith of Tongo Saa, a subtle and fragmented portrait of a population that despite its challenges is sublimated by the beauty of Kinshasa’s nights.
Moondove (Lebanon, Netherlands, Qatar) by Karim Kassem presents a poetic narrative set in a mountain village grappling with severe drought, where an annual theatrical tradition becomes a metaphor for broader societal changes.
Red Path (Tunisia, France, Belgium, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Lotfi Achour tells the haunting story of young shepherd Achraf, whose life is forever changed after the traumatic death of his cousin.
MA – Cry of Silence (Myanmar, South Korea, France, Singapore, Norway, Qatar) by The Maw Naing follows Mi-Thet, a young garment factory worker whose involvement in a labour strike awakens her political consciousness and connects her to Myanmar’s complex history of resistance.
East of Noon (Netherlands, Egypt, Qatar) by Hala Elkoussy weaves a satirical fable about artistic freedom and resistance through the story of Abdo, a musician challenging authority by creating art in a confined world.
Demba (Senegal, Germany, Qatar) directed by Mamadou Dia charts how a man struggling with grief and depression with the anniversary of his wife’s death nearing, finds solace reconnecting with his estranged son.
The screenings will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.
