Saint Levant, Elyanna, and More Set to Perform at Doha Film Festival 2025
From Saint Levant and Elyanna to Steven Soderbergh and Michaela Coel—Doha is turning into a global creative hotspot this November.
Get ready, film lovers—Doha Film Festival 2025 (DFF) is rolling out the red carpet from November 20 to 28, and it’s going to be massive. The Doha Film Institute (DFI) just revealed the full lineup featuring 97 films from 62 countries, plus a jam-packed schedule of concerts, talks, and community events that will transform Qatar’s capital into a cultural wonderland.
فيديو ذات صلة
This browser does not support the video element.
The festival comes with a USD 300,000 prize pool, four major competitions, and special screenings at some of Doha’s most iconic venues. To top it off, the festival’s original theme song—composed by Dana Al Fardan with Katara Studios and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra—promises to capture Doha’s creative pulse.
Star Power and Global Stories
This year’s opening film, The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania, sets the tone with a powerful story that celebrates truth and resilience.
Expect appearances from big names like Steven Soderbergh, Michaela Coel, Ramy Youssef, Engin Altan Düzyatan, and Hazal Kaya—plus a crowd-pulling music lineup featuring Saint Levant, Yasiin Bey, Elyanna, Nooriyah, and more.
DFF 2025 will feature special screenings, including Re-Creation by Jim Sheridan and the world premiere of Qatari feature Sa3oud Wainah by Mohammed Al-Ibrahim.
Celebrating Local Voices and Youth Creativity
The Made in Qatar section is all about homegrown talent, highlighting 10 short films that capture the essence of Qatari storytelling. Meanwhile, the Ajyal Film Competition puts the spotlight on the next generation, empowering young jurors aged 16 to 25 to pick their favorite films.
DFI’s CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi summed it up perfectly: “This year’s festival amplifies voices that too often go unheard. It’s about connection, creativity, and the shared emotions that make cinema universal.”
Beyond the Big Screen
The fun doesn’t stop at films—there’s Geekdom, the region’s favorite pop culture and gaming fest, happening from November 18 to 22 with e-sports tournaments, live gaming, music, and panels. Plus, Cinema Under the Stars and Cinema by the Sea will offer magical outdoor screenings across the city.