Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced the programming and awards sections for the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), being held from November 20-28 this year.
The announcement was made during the 78th Cannes Film Festival which marks the 15th anniversary of DFI, first announced in Cannes in 2010 by DFI Chair HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
With a total prize money of over $300,000, DFF will feature a dynamic official selection of films in four competition strands: International Feature Film Competition, showcasing powerful new works by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world; International Short Film Competition, highlighting innovative storytelling in a concise format; Ajyal Film Competition, judged by the festival’s unique youth jury that offer fresh, generational perspectives; and the Made in Qatar Competition, dedicated to celebrating the creativity and talent of filmmakers based in Qatar.
DFF will also feature industry sessions, community screenings with a special programme for youth, and a range of engaging events. DFI CEO and festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, 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.”
At the heart of the festival are four main competition sections, each with distinguished international juries: the International Feature Film Competition jury will consist of five industry experts selecting winners in Best Narrative (with a prize money of $75,000), Best Documentary ($50,000), Best Artistic Achievement for feature narrative or documentary ($45,000), and Best Performance ($15,000) categories. A certificate of Special Mention will also be presented to a feature narrative or documentary.
In the International Short Film Competition, judged by a three-member jury, films will compete for Best Film – Narrative or Documentary ($20,000), Best Director ($12,000), and Best Performance ($7,000).
Made in Qatar Competition will celebrate talent based in Qatar with awards for Best Short – Narrative or Documentary ($15,000), Best Director ($10,000) and Best Performance ($5,000).
Ajyal Film Competition with a youth jury aged 16-25 will have an important presence at DFF, presenting awards for Best Feature – Narrative or Documentary ($35,000) and Best Short – Narrative or Documentary ($12,000). An Audience Award will also be presented during the festival with the winner receiving a certificate and trophy.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi
