Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi appeared on Saturday on the rooftop terrace of The Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice.
“I want to thank her Sheika Al Mayassa for shaping every step of our journey with her unwavering belief in the power of creativity and the power of cultural exchange,” said Alremaihi, who has helped transform DFI into an important foundation for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional film industry over the past 15 years.
“The award reflects the collective mission that has guided us over the past 15 years to amplify the Arab voice, cultivate creative talent and share untold stories with the world,” she added.
“When division and misunderstanding dominate the story too often, the voice of our locality is more important than ever,” continued Alremaihi. “This award is a powerful reminder that our mission is important and reinforces our resolve to continue to empower important voices.”
DFI has a record number of 12 supported films premiering at the Venice Festival. They include the competition entry for Tunisian director Kautan Ben Chania, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” about the murder of a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024 and was later killed. Announcing the lineup in July, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera described it as a moving film that he believed to “impress the most audiences and critics.”
Other DFI executives participating in the event include the Institute’s Film Funding Director and program Hana Issa. They also featured Shivani Pandia, managing director of the Red Sea Festival, co-founder of the Rome Film Festival, Teresa Kavina, Maltese Film Commissioner Johan Grek, Trakim (K-Pop!), Taormina Film Festival director Tigianarokka, Rodol Fratzel and the managing director of Cartier Southeastern Europe.
