Qatar’s Doha Film Institute funds 48 projects worldwide
Spring 2026 grants support filmmakers from 39 countries, reinforcing Qatar's role in promoting independent cinema and creative storytelling
DOHA, Qatar (MNTV) – The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has awarded grants to 48 film projects from 39 countries under its Spring 2026 funding cycle, continuing its long-running support for independent filmmakers in Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and across the world.
The institute said the selected projects include works by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers alongside emerging and established directors from the wider international film community.
Through its biannual Grants Programme, DFI provides financial support to first- and second-time filmmakers globally, while also assisting established MENA directors during the post-production stage of their projects.
This year’s recipients represent countries across the MENA region, including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as filmmakers from Canada, Chile, Cuba, France, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
According to Qatar News Agency, DFI Chief Executive Officer Fatma Alremaihi said culture remains a vital force for preserving identity, documenting history and connecting communities across generations.
She described the selected filmmakers as future storytellers whose work will capture contemporary realities, challenge perceptions and leave a lasting cultural record.
The grants cover projects at various stages of development, production and post-production, including feature films, documentaries, short films, television series, web series and experimental productions.
Qatari filmmakers received support across several categories. Funded projects include short narrative films such as Moments We Lived, Harf Esem: Forced Landing and Spooky Saeko, as well as feature narratives including Bayt Rabab, About Love & September Laws and When Blood Calls. Several documentaries and production-stage projects also secured funding.
The program additionally backed a number of international productions in post-production, including feature films and documentaries from countries outside the MENA region.
DFI said the Spring 2026 grants underscore its ongoing commitment to strengthening independent filmmaking, encouraging international collaboration and enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional and global center for cinema and creative industries.
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