The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Doha Film Institute (DFI) have announced a new collaboration that will introduce a FIPRESCI jury at the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), scheduled to take place from November 19 to 27, 2026.
This partnership seeks to enhance the festival’s role as a platform for cultural exchange, critical dialogue, and cinematic discovery. The Doha Film Festival, organized by DFI, has developed over the past 15 years as an influential venue for world cinema, combining stories from both established filmmakers and emerging voices. The festival’s programming emphasizes diversity and complexity in contemporary filmmaking, hosting four primary competition categories: International Feature Film Competition, International Short Film Competition, Ajyal Film Competition, and Made in Qatar Competition. These competitions aim to showcase distinctive narrative perspectives and new talent, reflecting evolving global realities.
Beyond the competitive screenings, the festival includes out-of-competition selections alongside a comprehensive public program consisting of gala presentations, panel discussions, family screenings, and community events. This broader program is designed to foster interaction between audiences and filmmakers, encouraging engagement beyond the cinematic experience.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, chief executive officer of DFI and director of DFF, highlighted the significance of the partnership with FIPRESCI, stating that independent cinema flourishes when filmmakers have freedom of expression and critics actively champion and analyze their work. She described film criticism as a vital element in ensuring that key films receive recognition, critical discourse, and enduring impact. According to Alremaihi, the inclusion of FIPRESCI will facilitate cross-cultural engagement between critics and filmmakers and contribute to a more nuanced global conversation about cinema.
FIPRESCI President Ahmed Shawky emphasized the importance of expanding the federation’s presence beyond traditional filmmaking centers. He noted that dynamic developments in contemporary cinema are increasingly originating from diverse regions, making the Doha Film Festival an important site for international exchange. The establishment of a FIPRESCI jury in Doha aims to reinforce the federation’s commitment to maintaining internationally inclusive perspectives in film criticism.
The FIPRESCI jury at DFF will consist of three film critics tasked with evaluating films within the International Feature Film Competition. At the festival’s conclusion, the jury will award the FIPRESCI Prize to the film deemed the most significant accomplishment in the competition. Further information about the jury members and their selection process will be announced ahead of the festival.