Gulf stories take centre stage at Doha Film Festival 2026

The Doha Film Festival 2026 has announced the launch of the "Gulf Cinema" program, which includes seven films from the Gulf countries, from November 19 to 27.

The program presents films that address the themes of identity, heritage, social transformations and human relationships, showcasing stories drawn from memory, tradition and contemporary reality in the Gulf region.

Fatima Hassan Al Rumaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute and Director of the Doha Film Festival, said: "The programme reflects our commitment to highlighting the important voices in the Gulf, representing the region's past, present and future.

"Tales are made up of distinct cultures, shared histories and rapidly transforming societies, and carry with them human realities that transcend geographical boundaries, and for this reason, we present these films to Doha audiences in tribute to filmmakers who are reshaping regional cinema and providing spaces for new visions," she added.

Feature films on the programme include Saudi films Salma and Qamar, directed by Ahed Kamel, winner of the Best Feature Film award at the Saudi Film Festival 2025, and Hisham Fakih's Silala, which explores how father-son bonds can become a source of devotion and control at the same time.

The program also includes short films, including "Clouds" by Omani director Muzna Al-Musafir, Saudi film "Al-Dunya Hafla" by Raed Al-Samari, Emirati film "Namos" by Nada Jahed, Bahraini film "Salem Ghaire Salem" directed by Omar Farouk, and Kuwaiti film "Evening with Layla" directed by Haya Al-Ghanim.

The Gulf Cinema programme is part of the Doha Film Festival's efforts to support filmmakers whose work contributes to deepening cultural understanding, highlighting the diversity of narratives in the region, and connecting Gulf cinema in dialogue with audiences around the world.

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