Doha Film Festival Set to Launch with Focus on Palestinian Voices
The Doha Film Festival is on track to make its debut from November 20-28, 2023, in the capital of Qatar. Under the leadership of Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), the festival aims to elevate the region’s film landscape, transitioning from the existing Ajyal festival for youth to a broader international celebration of cinema.
This year’s festival will feature a notable emphasis on Palestinian narratives, beginning with the opening film, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. With a lineup of 97 films from 62 countries, the festival is set to showcase regional premieres of acclaimed titles that have already gained attention at major international festivals. The event will also coincide with Geekdom, Qatar’s largest pop culture convention, creating a unique blend of film, gaming, and creative expression.
Alremaihi expressed the importance of amplifying Palestinian voices through cinematic storytelling. She stated, “Cinema captures the perseverance of the human spirit like no other art form can, opens hearts and changes perspectives.” The DFI has consistently supported underrepresented communities, and the festival’s opening film is a deliberate choice to highlight the significance of these narratives. Alremaihi emphasized that “amplifying Palestinian stories has been essential in our work as a cultural organization.”
The festival will present four world premieres, including the Qatari thriller “Sa3oud Wainah” by Mohammed Al-Ibrahim and a documentary titled “My Story” about Syrian actor and political figure Jamal Soliman by Yasser Ashour. Alremaihi noted the importance of world premieres, stating, “When a filmmaker chooses to share their film with the world for the first time here in Doha, they acknowledge our festival as an important place of discovery and dialogue.”
In addition to showcasing films, the festival includes an industry component known as DFF Talks. This program, presented by the Film Committee at Media City Qatar, aims to advance Qatar’s position in the film, television, and media sectors. Alremaihi highlighted the festival’s role in fostering connections between local and international talent, stating, “We are growing a sustainable ecosystem for film, TV, and emerging media that turns creative ambition into lasting industry impact.”
The synergy between the Doha Film Festival and Geekdom reflects a shared vision of community and creativity. Alremaihi remarked, “Film, gaming, animation and cosplay are all forms of expression that inspire and unite people.” This collaboration aims to expand storytelling beyond traditional boundaries, showcasing how different mediums can intersect and resonate with audiences.
As the festival approaches, the DFI is committed to creating a platform that not only highlights regional talent but also fosters global conversations about the power of cinema. With its focus on Palestinian narratives and its integration with popular culture, the Doha Film Festival is poised to become a significant event in the international film calendar.
