At the heart of DFF is a dynamic official selection that champions bold storytelling and cultural exchange. Four main competitions form the core of the programme: the International Feature, International Short, Ajyal Film Competition, and Made in Qatar—a dedicated showcase celebrating the creativity of filmmakers living in Qatar.
These competitions are complemented by an engaging out-of-competition slate, including gala premieres, family screenings, and community events.
Official Film Programme 2025
International Feature Film Competition
Our International Feature Competition brings together a diverse selection of feature-length documentary and narrative films from the past year, offering fresh perspectives from both new and established filmmakers. The selected titles reflect a wide range of cultures and experiences, engaging with the world through timely, thought-provoking films.
International Short Film Competition
Celebrating innovation in form and structure, our International Short Film Competition highlights compelling works that explore new creative ground, offering concise yet powerful stories. All genres are eligible for consideration, including narrative and documentary films.
Ajyal Film Competition
The Ajyal Film Competition presents a compelling showcase of narrative and documentary films that speak not only of resilience and resistance but also of the quiet, personal revolutions that define what it means to grow, to question, and to belong.
The selection invites audiences into a cinematic experience where genre boundaries are blurred and storytelling is both poetic and urgent. These films carry emotional clarity and a deep sense of purpose—calling us to listen more closely, feel more deeply, and act with greater intention.
Made in Qatar
A platform dedicated to films created in Qatar by filmmakers of any nationality who live here, this selection reflects the country’s growing artistic identity and the shared experiences of its dynamic, multicultural community.
Out of Competition
Gala Screenings
The Gala Screenings will be dedicated to films that are Middle Eastern and North African premieres by established auteurs or major film productions.
Cinema Under the Stars
An outdoor screening programme featuring select titles presented in public open-air venues as part of the festival’s community engagement initiatives.
Cinema by the Sea
Films selected for this section will be shown in an open-air seaside setting and suitable for general audiences in a public, family-oriented space.
Special Screenings
A diverse programme of films presented in partnership with local and international collaborators, including community-focused events and themed showcases.
Bariq & Cine-Concert
Short films designed for children aged 4 to 7 and their families, offering early cinematic experiences—enhanced with live music.
Inclusive Screening
Screenings designed to be accessible to all audience members, including those with different sensory needs.
Year of Culture
A selection of films celebrating the cultural exchange between Qatar and its Year of Culture partner, highlighting shared stories and creative expression across borders.
Ajyal Film Club
Ajyal Film Club builds on DFI’s year-round youth cinema programme, offering young people a space to explore films, share perspectives, and connect through dialogue. During the festival, the club hosts curated screenings and discussions that deepen the youth audience’s engagement with cinema and filmmaking as an artform.