Doha Film Festival 2026 Announces International Feature Film Competition Jury

Doha Film Festival 2026 announced today the appointment of Japanese director Naomi Kawase as President of the International Feature Film Competition Jury, alongside an elite group of cinematic voices whose work challenges prevailing conventions, transcends geographic boundaries and sheds light on profound human experiences.

Joining Kawase on the jury are French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa; Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha; Italian documentary filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi; and award-winning Palestinian filmmaker and artist Kamal Aljafari. The jury members represent a broad spectrum of artistic excellence across narrative films, documentaries and acting, united by a commitment to supporting distinctive voices and ambitious storytelling.

The jury will select the winners from 15 international films taking part in the competition, reflecting bold and distinctive voices from the Arab world, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute and Festival Director of Doha Film Festival, said in a statement today that independent cinema is the medium that gives space and voice to the most vital, courageous and transformative stories of our time.

“It is therefore our responsibility to protect creative freedom in challenging prevailing conventions, bring perspectives absent from the screen to the fore, and build bridges between cultures,” she added, expressing her pleasure at welcoming the Institute’s friends who share its vision and have dedicated their lives to nurturing and supporting independent cinema. She also noted that their combined expertise and artistic integrity embody the spirit of the Institute and the festival, which champion authentic voices, provide space for bold ideas and work to ensure that impactful stories reach audiences around the world.

Through the International Feature Film Competition, Doha Film Festival continues to honour filmmakers who expand the artistic horizons of cinema and bring fresh perspectives to the screen.

The jury’s combined expertise reflects the festival’s commitment to an independent film culture that values creativity, cultural exchange and the power of film to create change.

Doha Film Festival 2026 is supported by a number of partners and sponsors, including its key partners: Katara, Media City Qatar | Film Committee and Visit Qatar.

Doha Film Festival takes place from 19 to 27 November 2026, bringing together filmmakers, audiences and leading voices in the film industry from the region and beyond to celebrate original creative storytelling and important voices in cinema.

Source: QNA

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