Doha Film Festival Just Dropped Its 2025 Star-Studded Jury Lineup

The Doha Film Festival (DFF), presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), just unveiled its official jury for the International Feature Film Competition — and it’s packed with global talent.

Leading the panel is Rithy Panh, the Oscar-nominated Cambodian filmmaker known for his emotionally rich documentaries. He’s joined by Raja Amari, a Tunisian director and screenwriter; Faouzi Bensaidi, Moroccan filmmaker and actor; Dhafer L’Abidine, Tunisian actor and director; and Alessandra Speciale, founder and curator of Final Cut Venice.

Together, they’ll judge 13 standout films from the Arab world and beyond — each celebrated for its creativity, storytelling, and vision.

Big Prizes and Bold Voices

The jury will decide winners across top categories, including:

• Best Narrative – USD 75,000

• Best Documentary – USD 50,000

• Best Artistic Achievement – USD 45,000

• Best Performance – USD 15,000

There’s also a Special Mention certificate for one film that stands out.

Festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said this year’s jury captures “the very essence of Doha Film Festival — a meeting of storytellers whose work transcends borders.”

What to Expect This Year

Running from November 20 to 28, 2025, the festival will showcase over USD 300,000 in total prizes and feature four main competition strands:

• International Feature Film Competition

• International Short Film Competition

• Ajyal Film Competition (with the youth jury)

• Made in Qatar Competition

The event will take over Doha’s most iconic spots — Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown, and the Museum of Islamic Art — turning them into creative hubs buzzing with screenings, panels, and cultural exchange.

Why It Matters

Beyond the glitz, DFF continues to champion bold, authentic storytelling — especially from the Global South — and aims to connect filmmakers, artists, and audiences through cinema that sparks dialogue and discovery.