Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, festival director of the nascent Doha Film Festival (DFF) and CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said she is confident the first edition has shown they are building a meaningful event for the region and the world.
The inaugural festival closed on November 28, following nine days of screenings, talks and events.
It hosted world premieres, including Mohammed Al-Ibrahim’s Qatari thriller Sa3oud Wainah?, and screened festival hits including The Voice Of Hind Rajab and Palestine 36.
The lively DFF Industry Days launched Qatar as a major regional player. It saw the launch of a cash rebate of up to 50% for productions that film in Qatar, and several major US companies struck agreements with the Qatar Film Committee, part of Media City Qatar.
Alremaihi talks to Screen about her early reflections on the festival, how the rebate and new international partnerships might impact Qatar and her plans for further innovations.
What are your thoughts on how the first festival has gone?
We are deeply encouraged by the response from audiences, filmmakers and industry partners who have reaffirmed Doha’s role as a regional creative hub. The energy has been inspiring, and the conversations ignited here make us confident we are building something meaningful for the region and the world.
What have been the successes?
The biggest success has been the spirit of connection – between Qatari talent, the Arab world and global cinema. Our screenings were vibrant, industry days were packed, and the diversity of partnerships forged here exceeded expectations. Most importantly, emerging filmmakers felt seen and supported.
What have been the challenges to work on for future editions?
Every event brings learnings. We want to streamline logistics, expand programmes and grow the industry activities even further. Our priority is to improve audience flow and enhance accessibility so the festival becomes even more welcoming to the broader community.
What do you think the new Qatari cash rebate of up to 50% could mean for the country’s film industry?
It’s a transformative step. The rebate positions Qatar as one of the most competitive production destinations globally. It will attract quality international projects while creating sustained opportunities for local crews, suppliers and creatives. It strengthens our ambition to grow a truly vibrant filmmaking ecosystem.
Major US companies announced deals with Qatar last weekend. What will those mean for Qatari filmmakers?
The now open doors to collaborations bring invaluable expertise, mentorship and pathways for increased production locally. The companies will gain increased access to undiscovered talent, expertise and stories from our region. For Qatari talent, it means increased visibility for their stories to reach global audiences.
What is your message to other international partners now interested in working with Qatar?
Qatar is open, ready and committed to meaningful collaboration. We welcome partners who believe in cultural exchange, artistic integrity and long-term investment. If you want to make bold work and develop regional talent, Doha is the place to do it.
How will this business activity impact the work of the DFI?
It amplifies our mission. As the ecosystem grows, the DFI will continue to champion artists, nurture independent voices and build capacity. Increased industry activity enables us to offer more opportunities, deeper training and stronger pathways from education to production.
Will you personally be going into filmmaking or producing?
My focus remains on strengthening the Institute’s programmes and supporting filmmakers. That is where I feel I can make the greatest impact right now.
Will Qumra go ahead in 2026? Any changes in light of DFF?
Yes, Qumra will return in 2026 as a cornerstone of how we mentor and accelerate emerging talent. As the festival grows, we are exploring ways to deepen the synergy between Qumra and DFF – ensuring both platforms strengthen each other while staying true to their unique purposes.
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