Doha 2026

Built on 15 years of Doha Film Institute’s commitment to authentic storytelling, Doha Film Festival (DFF) is a dynamic platform for world cinema that inspires dialogue, reflection and connection. It is the bold next chapter in the Institute’s enduring mission to nurture regional talent, deepen cultural understanding and amplify unheard voices. The festival offers a vibrant meeting point for international cinema lovers, a stage for powerful stories and a launchpad for a new generation of voices in film that are redefining the global landscape with depth, nuance, and truth. At the heart of DFF is a dynamic Official Selection featuring four competition strands: International Feature Film Competition, International Short Film Competition, Ajyal Film Competition, and Made in Qatar Competition. Together, they spotlight distinctive cinematic voices, emerging talent and stories that offer fresh perspectives on our rapidly changing world. The competition programme is complemented by an expansive out-of-competition selection and public programme, including gala screenings, talks, panels, family screenings and community events, creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to engage beyond the screen. The festival invites a jury of three distinguished international film professionals, representing diverse cinematic traditions from across the world, with a focus on the Global South. The jury will select and award a winning film in the International Feature Film Competition.