Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Doha Film Festival Opens with Special Screenings, Diverse Guests
A new film festival called the Doha Film Festival is happening in Qatar this month.
Famous filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh and actors like Michaela Coel are coming to talk about movies.
They will show 97 movies from 62 different countries, with lots of prize money for the best ones.
The festival is also showing a special movie about a Palestinian girl.
Besides movies, there will be talks with journalists and artists, and even music performances.
It's a big event to celebrate movies and connect people.
It is expanding on a previous festival that focused on families and youth.
Qatar's inaugural Doha Film Festival (DFF) will take place from November 20-28.
Special guests include directors Steven Soderbergh and Michaela Coel, and actor Ramy Youssef.
The festival will screen 97 films from 62 countries, with over $300,000 in prize money.
The opening film is 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' about a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza.
The DFF is an expansion of the long-running, family-focused Ajyal event, organized by the Doha Film Institute.
- Who
- Doha Film Institute (DFI)
- What
- Inaugural Doha Film Festival (DFF) showcasing 97 films from 62 countries, featuring special guests, talks, music, and competitions.
- When
- November 20-28, 2025
- Where
- Doha, Qatar
- Why
- To foster connection, share emotions, remind people of their humanity, reflect Qatar's growing creative ambitions, and unite and inspire through cinema.
Festival Goals
Festival Expansion
Focus
Festival Goals
The festival aims to foster connection, share emotions, and remind people of their humanity through cinema.
Festival Expansion
The festival expands Qatar's creative ambitions and demonstrates a deep belief in cinema's power to unite and inspire.
- Festival Name
- Doha Film Festival (DFF)
- Dates
- November 20-28, 2025
- Location
- Doha, Qatar
- Films Showcased
- 97 films from 62 countries
- Prize Money
- Over $300,000
- Notable Guests
- Steven Soderbergh, Michaela Coel, Ramy Youssef, Engin Altan Duzyatan, Hazal Kaya, Jassim Al Nabhan, Dorra Zarrouk, Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbas
- Organizing Body
- Doha Film Institute (DFI)