The event brought together key government officials, filmmakers, and artistes, among other dignitaries. Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani presented acclaimed actors Jamal Soliman and Golshifteh Farahani with the DFF 2025 Creative Excellence Award for their outstanding artistic contribution to storytelling.
Over the course of the festival, audiences can expect a vibrant mix of world premieres, regional firsts, panel discussions, industry events, youth-focused activities, live music, Geekdom, and a range of community programmes taking place across Doha.
The festival will turn Doha’s iconic venues, from Katara Cultural Village and Msheireb Downtown Doha to the Museum of Islamic Art, into lively centres of cultural exchange, uniting filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world and highlighting the enduring power of art.