Homegrown Voices Take the Spotlight in Doha Film Festival's 'Made in Qatar' 2025 Showcase
Doha’s cinematic heartbeat shines as local filmmakers bring powerful, authentic stories to the big screen.
Doha’s vibrant film scene is in the spotlight once again as the Doha Film Festival (DFF) 2025 unveils its highly anticipated ‘Made in Qatar’ programme — a celebration of homegrown storytelling that captures the nation’s evolving cultural identity and cinematic vision.
Presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), this initiative continues to champion Qatar’s creative community by amplifying local voices and nurturing emerging talent. Featuring 10 short films by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers, the programme offers a window into the nation’s heart through diverse, daring, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
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“Supporting local filmmakers is not only a duty—it is a privilege and a source of great pride for the Institute,” said Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and CEO of DFI. “Our storytellers open windows to our world, share our unique culture, and connect others to our own narratives. Through the ‘Made in Qatar’ programme, we celebrate the courage and creativity of filmmakers who are defining our cinematic identity and shaping a cultural legacy that extends far beyond our borders.”
The lineup showcases an eclectic mix of genres and themes — from futuristic thrillers to heartfelt family dramas and deeply personal reflections — demonstrating the breadth of talent emerging from Qatar’s creative landscape.
Among the featured films are:
Al-Aqiq: Darkness of Virtuality by Mohammed Al-Suwaidi and Kummam Al-Maadeed, a near-future thriller exploring virtual chaos.
Baba is Melting by Karim Emara, a poignant father-son confrontation set before Friday prayers.
Fahad the Furious by Justin Kramer, a story about family miscommunication and generational conflict.
Is This A Sign? by Maria Joseph, a comedic wedding-day disaster full of unexpected twists.
Project Aisha by Fahad Al-Nahdi, a gripping psychological drama about motherhood and loss.
Qadha’ w Qadar by Maryam Al-Mohammed, a courtroom drama set in Doha’s Family Court.
A Palm Branch by Mahdi Al Ali, an introspective film exploring love, grief, and the sea’s symbolism.
Theatre of Dreams by Fatma Al-Ghanim, recounting the untold story of Qatar’s first women’s national football team.
Yom El Juma’ by Haya Al Kuwari, a touching portrayal of family bonds across generations.
Villa 187 by Eiman Mirghani, a nostalgic reflection on home, loss, and identity.
The ‘Made in Qatar’ Jury for 2025 is led by actress, director, and producer Afef Ben Mahmoud, alongside Fahad Al-Kuwari, Head of Development at Katara Studios, and Alaa Alasad, producer and distributor. Together, they will recognize the next wave of storytellers defining Qatar’s cinematic identity.
Supported through DFI’s training programmes, Grants, and the Qatari Film Fund, this year’s selection reflects the growing sophistication of Qatar’s film ecosystem and its commitment to fostering local voices with global resonance.
Taking place from 20–28 November 2025, the Doha Film Festival promises to transform iconic locations — including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art — into cultural hotspots buzzing with creativity, dialogue, and cinematic passion.
In partnership with Katara, Media City Qatar | Film Committee, and Visit Qatar, DFF 2025 will bring together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world to celebrate art’s power to connect and inspire.
As Qatar continues to rise as a regional hub for creative industries, the ‘Made in Qatar’ programme stands as a bold statement — that the nation’s stories, voices, and cinematic dreams are not just ready for the world, but ready to redefine it.