Doha Film Festival 2026: The Station opens, 15 films in competition

The Doha Film Festival will take place from 19 to 27 November 2026 in Qatar. Organised by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), it brings together filmmakers, professionals and audiences around an international programme, with a prominent place for films from the Arab world.

The Station opens the festival

The festival will open with The Station (Al Mahattah), the first feature by Yemeni-Scottish director Sara Ishaq, co-written with Nadia Eliewat. This will be its first screening in the Middle East and North Africa.

The story is set in wartime Yemen, at a petrol station reserved for women. When her younger brother risks being enlisted, Layal must reconnect with her estranged sister to save him.

The film had its world premiere in competition at Cannes Critics’ Week in May 2026. It received support from the DFI’s grants programme.

Fifteen films in the international competition

The international feature competition brings together 15 films from the Arab world, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. According to the festival, eleven received DFI support and seven were directed by women.

The jury is chaired by Japanese director Naomi Kawase. It includes French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, Italian documentary maker Gianfranco Rosi and Palestinian filmmaker and artist Kamal Aljafari. A three-member jury from the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) will also present an award.

Short films, young audiences and Qatari cinema

The programme also includes an international short film competition, the Ajyal competition, aimed at young audiences, and Made in Qatar, a section devoted to filmmakers living in Qatar. Gala screenings, outdoor screenings and special presentations complete the line-up.

Key facts

• Event: Doha Film Festival 2026
• Dates: 19 to 27 November 2026
• Location: Doha, Qatar
• Opening film: The Station, by Sara Ishaq
• Jury president: Naomi Kawase
• Official website: dohafilm.com