Doha Film Institute Chief Reveals Plans to Launch New Film Festival in Qatar, Details to Be Unveiled in Cannes
Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi has confirmed plans for a new film festival to be launched in the Qatari capital in November, details of which will be unveiled in Cannes.
News that the DFI was planning a new film event surfaced last November during its Ajyal Film Festival dedicated to youth and family-friendly cinema. Al Remaihi mentioned it during Ajyal's opening ceremony, but she has never spoken about it since then.
The new DFI event will take place during Ajyal's customary November slot and will be an evolution of Ajyal.
November is a busy time on the Arab film festival circuit between Egypt's El Gouna in October, Marrakech in late November, and Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival in December.
'We are very excited about the upcoming edition,' Al Remaihi said. 'We will have new programming elements in the festival, both for the industry and the filmmakers, and also for the broader audience,' she added before underlining that further details will be unveiled on the Croisette.
Ajyal, which has become a year-round program, will be partly incorporated into the new event.
As for what prompted this move, Al Remaihi noted that the DFI is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and the new film festival is an organic part of the evolution of the organization which runs an important film grants and workshop program that regularly spawns films selected by major festivals and has become a top MENA region film industry driver.
Al Remaihi spoke during the DFI's ongoing Qumra event, an incubator and co-production market that helps foster first and second works, mostly by Arab directors, now at its 11th edition, where this year's mentors include Johnnie To, Walter Salles, and Darius Khondji.
Qumra was conceived by the DFI following the failure of the Tribeca Doha Film Festival, which ran from 2009 until 2012.
The new festival will see the DFI 'evolving into something that's more needed for the industry, especially here in Doha, but also for the wider industry in the MENA region. So we are really excited about this,' she said. 'We are really happy to unveil it because I know that a lot of people are asking questions.'
Two questions about the upcoming new DFI festival that have been swirling among attendees during Qumra are whether it will have an industry component and whether Qumra will be incorporated into the new fest.
'We don't have any plans to change anything in Qumra,' she said. 'We think it's important for it to remain the way it is,' she added, further noting that 'everything we do is part of an eco-system and is connected to the DFI,' Al Remaihi pointed out. At the same time, it appears clear that the new DFI event will indeed have a still-unspecified industry aspect.
read more
New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo
Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6
Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series
Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today
Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival
Arts & Culture
Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos
Arts & Culture
"The Flash" to End with Season 9
Arts & Culture
Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival
Arts & Culture
Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Arts & Culture
Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
7 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Singing live feels like coming home—art runs deep in my blood: Diana Haddad
Diana Haddad is one of the Arab world's most beloved voices—a star who blends musical elegance with mass appeal. She affectionately known by fans as The Princess of Arabic Song, returned to Morocco to a heroine's welcome at the Mawazine Festival, captivating the crowd with her powerful stage presence. In this candid interview, Diana speaks openly about her deep bond with Morocco, her artistic philosophy, the truth behind rumours of retirement, her views on AI and music trends, and her readiness to step into acting—if the right opportunity comes along. Your latest single, El Nas El Helwa, was a big success. Did you expect that kind of reaction? I was hopeful because the song radiates joy and positive energy—but honestly, the audience's response exceeded my expectations. I loved the simplicity and playful spirit of the lyrics. It really reflects who I am and what people are looking for: genuine happiness. That's why it touched hearts so quickly. You were away from the scene for almost three years. Why? I went through a difficult personal period, so I chose to step back and take a breath. It wasn't a break from art itself—it was an inner pause. I spent that time watching, reflecting, and recharging. I truly believe that period helped me grow. When I returned, I came back with even more strength and passion. There were rumours that you retired and wore the veil after your pilgrimage. What's the truth? The truth is, I never retired. I didn't make any official announcement like that. Yes, I performed the pilgrimage and it was a deeply spiritual experience—but I never said I was leaving music. If I ever do decide, it will be announced clearly and directly. People change and evolve, but change doesn't mean an end. I believe in balance, and I respect everyone's personal choices. Have you ever thought seriously about retiring? Yes, of course. Moments of reflection can make us question everything. But music runs in my blood. I've worked so hard to get here, and there's still so much I want to share. If I ever do retire, it will be a decision made openly, with complete conviction. You now prefer releasing singles over full albums. Why? Because the industry has changed. Listeners today often focus on one or two songs from an album, and the rest can get overlooked. By releasing singles, I can treat each song as a special project, giving it the attention it deserves so it can shine on its own. You once wished to see more duets between female artists. Why does that matter to you? Absolutely—it's something close to my heart. Sadly, collaboration among women in our industry is rare. But when two female voices come together in a respectful and creative way, the result can be truly special. Collaboration enriches art—it doesn't diminish anyone. What's your view on mahraganat music? I'm not against it. Everyone has the right to choose what they enjoy. But I hope there's more awareness about lyrics and preserving artistic taste. Art reflects society, and if there's real talent within mahraganat, then welcome—but it should still respect basic artistic values. How did the Moroccan audience receive your Mawazine performance? It was incredible. From the first moment on stage, I felt this powerful energy. Moroccan audiences are so loyal, warm, and expressive. That night felt different—truly special. It was as though I was performing for my own family. You've called Morocco your second home. What does it mean to you? I meant it wholeheartedly. My brothers are married to Moroccan women, and their kids are half-Lebanese, half-Moroccan. Many of my closest friends are Moroccan too. I deeply admire the culture, traditions, and generosity here. Every time I come back, it feels like coming home. At the concert, you performed a surprise duet with Douzi. How did that happen? The song Ehda Habba was originally a solo, but I thought it would be special to add Moroccan and Spanish verses. Douzi immediately came to mind—he's both a friend and a gifted artist. His surprise entrance delighted the crowd, and the duet felt spontaneous and heartfelt, which I love. Are you considering stepping into acting? I'm ready—but only if it's on my terms. Every year I get offers from Egyptian projects, Bedouin dramas, and co-productions—but I haven't yet seen a role that truly feels right for me. Acting is serious work, and I don't want to do it just for visibility. Are you afraid of trying something new like acting? Not at all. I've stopped being afraid of anything—but I have become more selective. I want a role that fits who I am and adds something meaningful to my artistic journey. I dislike routine, and if I try something new, it has to reflect my spirit. What do you think about social media and AI in the arts? Social media helps us connect directly with audiences—which is great. But too much of it can take away an artist's mystique. AI is a reality now, and we have to understand it and use it wisely. But if it's used carelessly, it risks stripping away the human essence that makes art special. How do you stay grounded amid all this change? I try to keep life simple. I exercise, train my voice, and spend time with family and friends. I love calm and always look for inner peace. Success matters—but it's meaningless without emotional and spiritual balance.
Mid East Info
8 hours ago
- Mid East Info
Menassah Distribution Company Showcases Emirati Literary Excellence at Madinah Book Fair 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
Sharjah, July, 2025: Menassah Distribution Company, specialising in the distribution of Emirati books, is participating in the Madinah Book Fair, organised by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and held in KSA from 29 July to 4 August 2025. This participation aligns with Menassah's ongoing efforts to strengthen the Emirati presence at regional cultural events and to support the Arab publishing and distribution movement. Menassah's stand will showcase works from 95 Emirati publishing houses, displaying 5,704 titles across various fields of knowledge, with a total of 1,332 books available for visitors. This opportunity enables attendees to discover the diversity and vibrancy of the Emirati cultural scene, presenting content that reflects the richness of the literary and intellectual experiences in the United Arab Emirates. This participation aligns with Menassah's ongoing commitment to supporting the national publishing strategy, strengthening cultural ties between the UAE and the KSA, and highlighting the contributions of Emirati writers and creatives at one of the region's most influential literary events. The Madinah Book Fair is an annual cultural milestone that brings together publishing houses and cultural institutions from around the world. It serves as a dynamic space for intellectual exchange and knowledge dialogue, reinforcing the book's role as a cornerstone in social and cultural development.
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
George Wassouf to Perform Live in Lebanon on August 8
Yara Sameh Iconic Syrian singer George Wassouf will perform live at the 12th edition of the Ehmej Festival in Lebanon, on Friday, August 8. He is set to present several of his popular and latest songs. Wassouf, who was born on December 23, 1961, has a significantly large audience of fans in the Arab world and abroad. He began singing at the age of 10 in his hometown Kafroun and was discovered two years later by his first manager and producer George Yazbeck at a wedding. At the age of 19, the singer became famous after appearing on the Lebanese show 'Studio El Fan' in 1980. He is one of the most successful Arab singers selling over 60 million records worldwide. In 2021, a documentary titled 'Masirati' (My Journey) highlighted the iconic musician's career-defining moments and secrets he has never uncovered before. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
