International Federation of Film Critics establishes jury at Doha Film Festival

Doha, Qatar welcomes a new chapter for the Doha Film Festival (DFF) with the announcement of a FIPRESCI jury. The International Federation of Film Critics and Doha Film Institute have joined forces, combining their commitment to cinema as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.

The DFF, set to take place from November 19-27, 2026, showcases a dynamic program featuring four main competition strands: International Feature Film Competition, International Short Film Competition, Ajyal Film Competition, and Made in Qatar Competition. These competitions aim to spotlight distinctive cinematic voices, emerging talent, and stories offering fresh perspectives on our rapidly changing world.

In addition to the competition program, the festival includes an expansive out-of-competition selection and public programme, featuring gala screenings, talks, panels, family screenings, and community events. This diverse selection creates opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to engage with cinema beyond the traditional screening experience.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute and Festival Director of DFF, emphasized the importance of independent cinema and the role of film criticism in preserving and championing these voices. She expressed delight at welcoming FIPRESCI to Doha and creating a space for critics and filmmakers to engage across cultures, discover new voices, and contribute to a richer global conversation around cinema.

For FIPRESCI, the partnership represents an expansion of its international network and a commitment to meaningful encounters between critics, filmmakers, festivals, and audiences from diverse cultural and geographical contexts. Ahmed Shawky, FIPRESCI President, highlighted the importance of this exchange in a moment when dynamic developments in contemporary cinema are emerging beyond traditional centers.

He emphasized FIPRESCI's commitment to ensuring film criticism remains genuinely international in its perspectives and encounters.