Doha Film Festival 2026: Films and Experiences You Shouldn't Miss

Doha Film Festival returns from 19 to 27 November 2026, bringing nine days of international cinema, premieres, local filmmaking and cultural experiences to Qatar. Presented by Doha Film Institute, the festival offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy gripping dramas, thought-provoking documentaries, family films or discovering new filmmaking talent.

With so much on the programme, deciding what to watch can be a challenge. Here are some of the films and experiences worth adding to your festival plans.

The Station: A Powerful Opening to the Festival

The festival opens with The Station (Al Mahattah), the debut feature from Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sara Ishaq.

Set inside a women-only petrol station in war-torn Yemen, the film explores resilience, family relationships and solidarity. The station becomes a rare refuge where women can gather away from the conflict around them, until a family crisis forces two estranged sisters to reconnect.

Following its appearance at Cannes Critics' Week, the film will make its Middle East and North Africa premiere in Doha. For audiences interested in powerful stories from the region, this is a compelling way to begin the festival.

Furies: A Heist Thriller with a Difference

If you prefer something fast-paced, Furies, directed by Rami Kodeih, deserves a place on your watchlist.

Set in Lebanon following the country's economic collapse, the film follows two sisters who plan a daring bank heist after being denied access to their savings. What begins as a desperate attempt to pay for life-saving medical treatment turns into a story of determination, family loyalty and survival.

The film combines the tension of a thriller with a deeply personal story rooted in contemporary Lebanon.

52 Blue: A Journey That Leads to Qatar

Football fans and film enthusiasts alike may find something special in 52 Blue, the debut feature from filmmaker Ali El Arabi.

The film follows a young man from Kerala, India, who dreams of meeting Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. His determination brings him to Qatar, where he takes a job as a stadium worker while pursuing an ambition that seems almost impossible.

With Qatar's World Cup experience woven into the story, the film offers a distinctive connection to a memorable chapter in the country's recent history.

Life Support and Edward Said: Between Worlds: Stories That Stay With You

For documentary lovers, two films stand out.

Life Support, directed by Daniele Rugo, follows international medical volunteers working alongside Palestinian healthcare professionals in Gaza. Filmed largely using the doctors' own phones, it offers an intimate perspective on the people providing medical care amid devastating circumstances.

Edward Said: Between Worlds, directed by Maiken Baird, explores the life and legacy of the Palestinian-American scholar, drawing on his own words to examine questions of identity, history and the right to tell one's story.

Both offer an opportunity to engage with important subjects through personal experiences and documentary storytelling.

Discover Homegrown Talent with Made in Qatar

One of the festival's most meaningful programmes is the Made in Qatar competition, featuring eight films by filmmakers living and working in the country.

This year's selection includes Abu Fanoos, a mysterious story set during a desert trip in Qatar, After the Rain, an imaginative adventure involving a lost unicorn, and Ghafleh, a moving story about a father's relationship with his daughter.

The programme offers audiences the chance to discover emerging filmmakers and the diverse stories being developed within Qatar's creative community.

Enjoy Free Cinema Under the Stars

Not every festival experience requires a cinema ticket.

The popular Cinema Under the Stars programme returns to MIA Park with free outdoor screenings of three animated films: Butterfly Tale, The Little Bear Movie and Babar: King of the Elephants.

It's an inviting option for families looking to enjoy an evening outdoors. Admission is free, with limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cinema enthusiasts can also explore the new DFF Classics programme, which brings restored landmark films back to the big screen, including The Battle of Algiers and The Night of Counting the Years.

Tickets, Prices and How to Plan Your Visit

The festival offers several ticket options to suit different interests and budgets:

• Opening film at Katara Drama Theatre: QAR 100
• General film screenings: QAR 40–50
• Short-film programmes at the Museum of Islamic Art: QAR 30
• Cinema Under the Stars: Free, no ticket required
• Inclusive screening: Free, advance ticket required
• Festival talks: Free

Students can receive a 20% discount on general tickets using the code DFF2026Student, subject to presenting a valid student ID.

Tickets are available online at Doha Film Festival's official website, as well as at designated box offices in Katara, the Museum of Islamic Art and VOX Cinemas at Doha Festival City.

Whether you're attending a premiere, discovering a filmmaker from Qatar or enjoying a free outdoor screening with family, Doha Film Festival 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to experience cinema in a different way.

Browse the official festival programme for screening dates, times and availability before planning your visit.

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