Doha Film Festival 2026 adds FIPRESCI jury through new international partnership

The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and Doha Film Institute (DFI) announced a new partnership, with a FIPRESCI jury at the upcoming edition of Doha Film Festival, taking place Nov. 19–27, 2026.

The collaboration brings together two institutions committed to cinema as a space for cultural exchange, discovery, and critical dialogue. Built on 15 years of Doha Film Institute's commitment to authentic storytelling, DFF is a dynamic platform for world cinema that inspires dialogue, reflection and connection. It is the bold next chapter in the Institute's enduring mission to nurture regional talent, deepen cultural understanding and amplify unheard voices.

The festival offers a vibrant meeting point for international cinema lovers, a stage for powerful stories and a launchpad for a new generation of voices in film that are redefining the global landscape with depth, nuance, and truth. At the heart of DFF is an international programme that brings established filmmakers and emerging voices together, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of contemporary world cinema.

Featuring four principal competition strands: International Feature Film Competition, International Short Film Competition, Ajyal Film Competition, and Made in Qatar Competition, DFF spotlights distinctive cinematic voices, emerging talent and stories that offer fresh perspectives on our rapidly changing world. The competition programme is complemented by an expansive out-of-competition selection and public programme, including gala screenings, talks, panels, family screenings and community events, creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to engage beyond the screen.

Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute and Festival Director of Doha Film Festival, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, said, "Independent cinema thrives when bold filmmakers have the freedom to tell the stories they believe in, and when there are critics willing to champion, question and preserve those voices. Film criticism is an essential part of the ecosystem that keeps independent cinema vibrant, ensuring that important films are not only seen, but understood, discussed and carried forward. We are delighted to welcome FIPRESCI to Doha and to create a space where critics and filmmakers can engage across cultures, discover new voices and contribute to a richer global conversation around cinema."

The festival is rooted in DFI's extensive year-round work supporting filmmakers through funding, training and talent development, highlighting the Institute's longstanding

commitment to helping distinctive voices from Qatar, the region and beyond reach international audiences.

For FIPRESCI, the partnership represents an important expansion of its international network and its commitment to creating meaningful encounters between critics, filmmakers, festivals and audiences across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.

FIPRESCI President Ahmed Shawky said, "At a moment when some of the most dynamic developments in contemporary cinema are emerging beyond its traditional centres, FIPRESCI considers this exchange an essential part of its international mission. Establishing a jury in Doha further strengthens this network and reflects the Federation's continuing commitment to ensuring that film criticism remains genuinely international in its perspectives and encounters".

The FIPRESCI DFF Jury will comprise three film critics, who will evaluate films presented in the International Feature Film Competition. At the conclusion of the festival, the jury will present the FIPRESCI Prize to the film it considers the most significant achievement in the competition. Further details regarding the jury composition and selection will be announced in due course.

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