Fatma Hassan Alremayhi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, has been instrumental in transforming DFI into the region’s preeminent independent industry promoter through its film funding programs over the past 15 years, and is now taking DFI’s role to the next level.
Al-Remayhi is spearheading the launch of the Doha Film Festival, which will be held from November 20 to 28 in the Qatari capital and will transform DFI’s existing Agiyar Festival for young people into a more ambitious international event for a wider audience.
The Doha Film Festival, which features a strong regional element and an emphasis on the Palestinian plight, will open with Kauser Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, as previously announced.
97 films from 62 countries will be shown. Approximately half of these will be regional premieres, selected from titles already screened at the world’s top film festivals, and will be screened across various sections.
But the Doha Film Festival will also intentionally coincide with Geekdom, Qatar’s biggest pop culture event, which will feature not just film and music performances, but everything from E-sports tournaments to anime, cosplay and live gaming.
Ahead of the first edition, DFI Secretary, who is also the fest’s artistic director, answered questions from Variety magazine and explained the spirit of the fest and the synergy between the two events.
Start with your opening film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, and talk about the importance of amplifying Palestinian voices at the Doha Film Festival.
DFI has always championed voices from underrepresented communities around the world and brought balanced, true stories to audiences around the world. Propagating the Palestinian story has therefore been essential to our work as a cultural organization. Movies, unlike other art forms, capture the perseverance of the human spirit, open minds and change perspectives. There has never been a time when that is needed more than today.
Opening with ‘Voices of Hind Rajab’ is a deliberate choice as we remain committed to accurately portraying their lived experiences and humanity. It reminds us why movies are important. Because cinema bears witness, confronts truth, preserves memory, and restores humanity to voices that have been made headlines or silenced.
Palestinian filmmakers have always shown extraordinary courage and artistry in telling stories of loss, resilience, and identity. And we stand united in ensuring their stories are seen, discussed and felt around the world.
What are the festival’s four world premieres? How important will it be for this event to have world premieres in the future?
We are honored to host the world premiere of (Qatari thriller) ‘Sa3oud Wainah’ directed by Mohammed Al Ibrahim. My Story, a documentary about Syrian actor and politician Jamal Soliman, by Egyptian director Yasser Ashour. “When the Camera Frozen” (by Palestinian artist and war photographer Belal Khaled) and “Abu Jabal” by (Palestinian director) Bisan Ouda are each powerful original voices and a testament to the creativity and resilience of filmmakers who are redefining storytelling in our region.
World premieres mean more than the fame and headlines they generate, it’s the trust they represent. When filmmakers choose to present their films to the world for the first time here in Doha, they acknowledge that our festival is an important place of discovery and dialogue.
As we grow, we will continue to strengthen our relationships and make Doha Film Festival a place where artists feel safe, where their bold ideas are supported and celebrated, and where the stories of the Arab world resonate across borders.
Tell us about the industry side of the festival. How does this festival help promote Qatar’s role in the film, television and media sector?
DFF Talks includes the industrial elements of the festival, including the Industry Days program hosted by Media City Qatar’s Film Committee.
These cover a wide range of creative works that intersect with how films are made and what they are about, contributing to Qatar’s leadership as a global hub for creative development.
This industry platform builds directly on DFI’s long-standing 15-year talent development mission of connecting local and regional voices with international experts in the creative community.
DFF 2025’s industry event reinforces Qatar’s position as a dynamic hub for storytelling and creative production, and the festival’s position as a launching pad for the region’s up-and-coming talent. From fostering co-productions to sales and distribution deals, we grow a sustainable ecosystem of film, television and emerging media that turns creative ambitions into lasting industry impact.
How does this festival intersect with Geekdom, Qatar’s biggest pop culture event?
Geekdom shares the same ethos as Doha Film Festival: a spirit of imagination, creativity and community. Geekdom, a pop culture convention that originated in Qatar, has evolved into a beautiful space where the creative community of fans, gamers, artists, creators, and more come together to honor what they love.
The synergy of the two events expands the concept of storytelling to include deep connections between film and popular culture. Movies, games, animation, and cosplay are all forms of expression that inspire and unite people, reflecting our belief that creativity is not limited by medium of expression. Whether on the big screen or in the virtual world, stories that touch our hearts remind us of who we are and how we are connected through the things we love.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
