Doha Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with The Voice of Hind Rajab

Doha Film Festival (DFF) 2025 officially begins today, November 20, opening with The Voice of Hind Rajab by award-winning director Kaouther Ben Hania. The film, a gripping story of resilience and human courage, sets the tone for a festival dedicated to storytelling that inspires empathy and sparks dialogue.

Festival organizers said the opening film reflects DFF’s ongoing mission to amplify voices that shine a light on truth and social issues.

A Week Packed with Films and Events

Running until November 28, DFF 2025 features an exciting lineup of world premieres, regional debuts, panel discussions, industry sessions, youth programs, music performances, and community initiatives across Doha.

Festivalgoers can explore four main competition sections, including:

• International Feature Film Competition

• International Short Film Competition

• Made in Qatar Competition

• Ajyal Film Competition for youth aged 16–25

Prizes this year total more than USD $300,000, highlighting the festival’s commitment to supporting both regional and international filmmakers.

Celebrating Global Talent

Doha Film Festival 2025 will host an impressive roster of filmmakers, artists, and activists, including Steven Soderbergh, Ramy Youssef, Michaela Coel, Mo Amer, Golshifteh Farahani, Elia Suleiman, Engin Altan Duzyatan, and Mehdi Hasan, among others.

Festival Director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said, “DFF is a platform for storytelling that challenges us to see the world with compassion. Over the past 15 years, we’ve celebrated filmmakers whose work sparks dialogue and connects audiences worldwide.”

Iconic Doha Venues Turn into Cultural Hubs

The festival will transform key Doha locations — including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art — into interactive hubs for film lovers. Visitors can expect a blend of cinema, talks, workshops, and live performances, celebrating creativity and cultural exchange.

Key festival partners include Katara, the Film Committee at Media City Qatar, and Visit Qatar.

For the full schedule and tickets, visit www.dohafilm.com.