Doha, Qatar – The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Fall Grants Cycle, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting independent cinema globally. With this cycle, DFI has surpassed 1,000 funded projects since the program’s inception, solidifying its role as a key player in fostering diverse storytelling. The grants will support 57 projects originating from 46 countries, with a strong emphasis on filmmakers from the MENA region.
The announcement, made earlier this week, underscores DFI’s dedication to nurturing both emerging and established filmmakers. This latest round of funding will contribute to the development, production, and post-production of a wide array of cinematic works, including narratives, documentaries, and experimental films. The initiative aims to address imbalances in the global film industry and amplify voices often underrepresented.
DFI Grants Program: Championing Independent Film
Awarded twice annually, in the Spring and Fall, the DFI Grants Programme is a long-standing initiative in the region. It focuses on providing crucial financial and logistical support to filmmakers, particularly those working on their first or second feature-length projects. Additionally, the program supports established directors from the MENA region during the post-production phase. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the entire independent film ecosystem.
The 2025 Fall cycle demonstrates a growing international reach, with projects selected from across the MENA region, as well as Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This diversity reflects DFI’s core mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film. According to DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, the program is designed to “rebalance the world cinema landscape” and ensure that authentic stories are given a platform.
Supporting Local and Regional Talent
Ten of the 57 projects receiving funding are from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers. This commitment to local talent is a cornerstone of DFI’s strategy. Projects like “Abu Fanoos” by Amira Abujbara and Horia El Hadad, a fantasy set in Qatar, exemplify this focus. The institute believes that investing in local filmmakers is essential for building a sustainable and vibrant film industry within the country.
A Diverse Slate of Projects
The funded projects cover a broad spectrum of themes and genres. Several narrative features in production explore complex social and political issues, such as “Occupational Hazards” by Bassel Ghandour, a dark comedy about a Palestinian family. Documentary projects, like “Souad and Lamine” by Mohamed Ali Nahdi, offer intimate portraits of individuals and communities. The program also supports experimental and television projects, showcasing its commitment to innovation in filmmaking. The selection process prioritizes projects that demonstrate artistic merit and a unique perspective.
Beyond feature-length films, the DFI Grants Programme also provides support for short films, recognizing their importance as a training ground for emerging filmmakers and a platform for showcasing new talent. Several short narrative and documentary projects were selected in this cycle, offering opportunities for filmmakers to hone their skills and reach wider audiences. The program’s support extends to projects addressing themes of identity, displacement, and social justice, reflecting a commitment to impactful storytelling.
The inclusion of projects like “American Doctor” by Poh Si Teng, documenting American doctors working in Gaza, highlights the program’s willingness to support films tackling challenging and urgent global issues. Similarly, “What Day Are We In” by Hussein Zuhour, documenting an actor’s survival during the war in Gaza, demonstrates a commitment to amplifying voices from conflict zones. These projects underscore the power of documentary film to raise awareness and promote dialogue.
Looking ahead, the DFI will continue to monitor the progress of these funded projects and provide ongoing support as needed. The institute anticipates announcing the recipients of the Spring 2026 Grants Cycle next year, further expanding its network of supported filmmakers. The long-term impact of the program will be measured by the success of these films in reaching audiences and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive global film landscape. The next key date for filmmakers will be the opening of submissions for the Spring 2026 cycle, details of which will be announced on the DFI website.
