Doha Film Institute

Doha Film Festival 2025

About Doha Film Festival

Taking place from 20–28 November 2025, Doha Film Festival (DFF) is the bold next chapter in DFI's enduring mission to nurture regional talent, foster cultural dialogue and amplify unheard voices. The festival will be a vibrant meeting point for international cinema lovers, a stage for powerful stories—and a launchpad for a new generation of cinematic voices.

Building on Ajyal's successful foundation while expanding to embrace new opportunities, DFF will provide a platform for important voices and stories that promote understanding and empathy—continuing DFI's commitment to supporting artistic expression that bridges divides and connects communities. The festival will retain popular elements of Ajyal while introducing new dimensions to further enhance Qatar’s role as a global hub for cinema and expand opportunities for emerging talent.

With dynamic programming that includes official film competitions with international juries and awards that will extend the reach of films to wider audiences, DFF will truly honour the art of cinema from around the world. Designed to reflect the diversity and ambition of our region through a diverse selection of films, inspiring conversations and engaging events, DFF invites audiences and creators for a truly meaningful shared cultural experience in Doha this November.

We look forward to sharing more with you soon…

Welcome to the Ajyal Festival hub, where you can get an overview of our programme, jury experience, awards and browse through our archive of past film festivals.
FILMS
Experience bold, original films from Qatar, the region and around the world. A carefully curated programme will be announced soon—stay tuned
TALKS
DFF Talks brings you face-to-face with the artists who inspire, challenge and transform. We invite you to step closer to the voices—filmmakers, artists, cultural leaders, and activists who are helping change the world around us.
AWARDS
Celebrating talent, creativity and craft. Award categories and juries to be announced soon.
ARCHIVE
“Your participation makes this one of the world’s most rewarding and unique film events. One that gives young people the chance to watch, discuss and critique thought-provoking films from around the world and inspires them to create positive changes in themselves and their community.”
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi
Chief Executive Officer, Doha Film Institute