Doha: Doha Film Festival (DFF), presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), announced its Special Screenings and Gala Presentations, remarkable works from across the world that honour cinema’s enduring ability to bridge cultures and inspire understanding.
According to Qatar News Agency, the line-up shines a spotlight on stories that move, inspire, and connect us, including the world premiere of the much-anticipated Qatari feature Sa3oud Wainah by Mohamed Al Ibrahim, underscoring the Institute’s continued commitment to supporting homegrown talent and showcasing the strength of Qatar’s creative voices on the global stage. Other notable films include Re-Creation by legendary director and Qumra 2024 Master Jim Sheridan, and a special invitation-only screening of Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36, which has captivated audiences globally. Additionally, Andy-Mundy Castle’s Shoot the People follows renowned photographer and global activist Misan Harriman, while Yasser Ashour’s My Story about acclaimed actor Jamal Soliman,
who will receive the Doha Film Festival’s Creative Excellence Award, is also part of the line-up.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and CEO of DFI, emphasized that the Gala and Special Screenings express the festival’s spirit of cinematic discovery and dialogue. She stated that these films reflect the courage and creativity of storytellers who challenge audiences to see the world through bold new perspectives. The programme includes international auteurs and inspiring local talent shaping Qatar’s film landscape, underlining the belief in cinema’s universal power to unite and uplift.
Films in Special Screenings include ‘My Story’ (Egypt/France/Syria) by Yasser Ashour, an intimate, cross-continental documentary tracing the journey of acclaimed Syrian actor Jamal Soliman. The film weaves together archival footage and present-day reflections as Soliman moves through memories of exile, art, and activism. Soliman will be presented with the DFF 2025 Creative Excellence Award during the festival’s opening c
eremony.
Another feature is ‘Palestine 36’ (Palestine/UK/France/Denmark/Norway/Qatar/KSA/Jordan) by Annemarie Jacir, an invitation-only screening that tells a story of individual actions against the backdrop of the 1936 British Mandate for Palestine.
Films in Gala Presentations include ‘Re-Creation’ (Ireland/Luxembourg) by Jim Sheridan and David Merriman, a fictionalised courtroom trial exploring the murder of French producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier. ‘Sa3oud Wainah’ (Qatar) by Mohammed Al-Ibrahim is a mystery thriller about a magic trick gone wrong between two brothers, exploring whether it’s a prank or something more sinister. ‘Shoot The People’ (UK) by Andy-Mundy Castle follows acclaimed photographer Misan Harriman as he documents protest movements worldwide, questioning the efficacy of activism in delivering social change.
Taking place from Nov. 20-28, 2025, the Doha Film Festival represents the bold next chapter in the Doha Film Institute’s mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and a
uthentic stories in cinema. The festival will transform iconic locations across Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art, into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the globe to reaffirm art’s power to inspire, unite, and spotlight voices that deepen our shared understanding.