Doha: Doha Film Festival has announced the 15
films that will participate in the 2026 International Feature Film Competition,
featuring bold and distinctive voices from across the Arab world, Asia, Africa,
Europe, and the Americas.
A total of 11 of the films were supported
through Doha Film Institute's Grants programme, while seven were directed by
women. The selection reflects the festival's commitment to supporting important
voices in independent cinema, with particular emphasis on stories from
underrepresented regions.
CEO of Doha Film Institute and Director of
DFF Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "Cinema has the power to carry voices
across borders and create connections where distance and difference might
otherwise divide us. Doha Film Festival was created to give those voices a
home, particularly filmmakers who challenge conventions to bring unheard
stories to the screen." She added that the 15 films were united by the
courage, imagination, and urgency of their filmmakers, expressing pride that
Doha was part of that journey.
The International Feature Film Competition
invites narrative and documentary features for their Middle East and North
Africa premieres. A jury of five international film professionals will
recognise the Best Narrative Award ($75,000), Best Documentary Award ($50,000),
Best Artistic Achievement Award ($45,000), and Best Performance Award
($15,000). The International Federation of Film Critics will also join DFF 2026
with a three-member jury to award its prize to a film considered to have made
the most significant achievement in the competition.
The festival will take place from November 19 to 27, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry voices from the region and beyond to honour original storytelling.
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