The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Doha Film Institute (DFI) have announced a new partnership resulting in the establishment of a FIPRESCI jury at the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), scheduled for November 19–27, 2026.
This collaboration aims to unite two organizations devoted to cinema as a medium for cultural exchange, discovery, and critical dialogue. The Doha Film Festival, supported by over 15 years of the Institute’s dedication to authentic storytelling, serves as a global platform for world cinema that fosters reflection, dialogue, and connection. It is part of the DFI’s ongoing mission to nurture regional talent, enhance cultural understanding, and amplify voices that are often underrepresented.
The festival’s program features an international lineup that combines the work of established filmmakers with emerging talent, reflecting the variety and vitality of contemporary world cinema. It includes four main competition categories: the International Feature Film Competition, the International Short Film Competition, the Ajyal Film Competition, and the Made in Qatar Competition. These segments spotlight unique cinematic voices and stories that offer new insights into a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In addition to the competition, DFF offers an extensive out-of-competition selection and a public program that incorporates gala screenings, talks, panel discussions, family screenings, and community events. These initiatives aim to create spaces where filmmakers and audiences can engage more deeply beyond on-screen experiences.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute and Festival Director, emphasized the importance of film criticism in the ecosystem of independent cinema. She noted that critics play a vital role in championing, questioning, and preserving the voices of bold filmmakers, ensuring that significant films receive attention and thoughtful discourse. “We are delighted to welcome FIPRESCI to Doha,” Alremaihi said, highlighting the opportunity for critics and filmmakers to engage across cultural boundaries and contribute to a global conversation on cinema.
For its part, FIPRESCI views this partnership as a key expansion of its international network. Ahmed Shawky, President of FIPRESCI, remarked that the initiative reflects the growing dynamism of contemporary cinema emerging outside traditional centers and underscores the Federation’s commitment to maintaining truly international perspectives in film criticism.
The newly formed FIPRESCI jury, consisting of three film critics, will evaluate entries in the International Feature Film Competition and will award the FIPRESCI Prize to the film it deems the most significant accomplishment in the competition. Further details about the jury members and selection process will be released ahead of the festival.