VCUarts Qatar Unveils Year End Show 2025 at M7 – A Bold Celebration of Creativity, Culture, and Innovation
Doha, Qatar – The future of art and design is here. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a proud partner of Qatar Foundation (QF), has officially launched its highly anticipated Year End Show: Art and Design Now 2025. Hosted at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the exhibition is open to the public from May 5 to July 5, 2025. The opening night on May 4 welcomed over a thousand guests, bringing together Qatar’s most prominent names from the creative industries, academic leaders, business partners, and proud families of the graduating class. The energy in the room was electric as visitors immersed themselves in a diverse showcase of innovation, craftsmanship, and bold storytelling. This year’s exhibition features final projects by VCUarts Qatar students from across a wide range of disciplines: For the first time, work from Foundation Year students is also on display—offering a comprehensive look at the school’s creative pipeline, from first-year experimentation to thesis-level mastery. The exhibition is a celebration of cutting-edge creative expression. Students explored a wide range of media and techniques, including: Each piece is a reflection of the students’ diverse cultural experiences and their desire to shape the future of design through meaningful, often provocative, work. “This year’s cohort has produced an outstanding body of work that speaks to a wide array of ideas—from vibrant celebrations of Qatari culture to innovative designs that carry powerful messages of hope, sustainability, and social awareness,” said Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. “The M7 space provides a dynamic and fitting backdrop for this diverse showcase of emerging talent.” The event also marked ‘Hayakom’, VCUarts Qatar’s annual welcome ceremony for newly admitted students. After touring the Education City campus, incoming students and their families visited the Year End Show to see firsthand the school’s vibrant artistic community and the possibilities that await them. Whether you’re an art lover, educator, collector, designer, or just curious about Qatar’s growing role in the global creative economy—this is an event you don’t want to miss. Experience how the next generation of artists and designers are shaping the future of visual storytelling and creative industries in Qatar and beyond.
Eight Doha Film Institute-Supported Films Selected for 2025 Cannes Film Festival
Doha, Qatar – A powerful testament to its ongoing mission of championing bold voices in global cinema, Doha Film Institute (DFI) proudly announces that eight films supported through its grants programme have been officially selected for the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025. The remarkable selection highlights the Institute’s steadfast commitment to nurturing original, underrepresented storytelling from the Arab world and beyond, showcasing a wide array of genres, cinematic styles, and diverse cultural narratives. This year’s line-up further cements Qatar’s position as a dynamic hub for international filmmaking. “We are incredibly proud to attend the 78th edition of Cannes with another selection of outstanding films supported by the Institute,” said Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute. “This recognition speaks to the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. Most importantly, they exemplify cinema’s profound power to connect us while revealing the beauty and complexity of our varied experiences.” Representing Global Cinema at the World’s Most Prestigious Film Festival The DFI-backed films will be showcased across several prestigious Cannes sections: 🎥 Official Selection Competition 🎥 Un Certain Regard
Doha Film Institute Opens Submissions for 2025 Qatari Film Fund to Nurture Homegrown Film Ecosystem
Doha, Qatar; January 27, 2025: Doha Film Institute has announced that submissions for the 2025 Qatari Film Fund (QFF) will open on January 26, underlining its commitment to nurturing local voices and building a robust creative economy. Since its inception, the Qatari Film Fund has supported more than xx projects, with Above the Tamarind Tree by Buthyna Al-Mohammadi and I Lay For You To Sleep by Ali Al Hajri gaining acclaim at the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival. Two QFF projects, awarded in 2024, are currently in pre-production: Sad Boy: The Movie by Qatari artist N&LS, which is set in a surreal and melancholic world, and follows the story of a grief-stricken boy who learns to navigate pain and haunting memories by embarking on an emotional journey toward healing and self-discovery, and Maria and the Unicorn by filmmaker Kholoud Al-Ali, a touching tale about a lonely girl whose life transforms when she befriends a lost unicorn but tensions arise when the girl is faced with helping the unicorn find its way back. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: ” Qatar Film Fund has been a cornerstone in the development of our national film industry, providing vital support to emerging and established filmmakers. Over the years, QFF has helped create a strong national film ecosystem, with local talents benefiting not only from funding but from comprehensive script-to-screen support. It has empowered our storytellers to bring their unique visions to life, fostering a vibrant creative community and positioning Qatar as a hub for cinematic excellence. Through this fund, we are not only advancing our local talent but also sharing our culture and stories with the world.” Supporting the skills and accomplishments of Qatari filmmakers, the Fund is committed to the development of up to four feature films, and the development, production and post-production of up to eight short films annually. Feature films developed through the fund are eligible for financial support for production, and one film will be selected for production funding in the following year. Short films are eligible for funding valued at up to QAR182,500 that includes development, production and post-production funds, mentorship, equipment and production support from the Institute. They must adhere to specific duration limits: short narrative films should not exceed 12 minutes, 2D animation should be limited to 7 minutes, and documentaries can run up to 30 minutes. Feature film treatments and screenplays at any level of progress are eligible for development funding valued at up to QAR182,500 that includes development services, mentorship, equipment and other support from the Institute. The duration for feature-length films are defined as 80 minutes or longer, and the director applying for funding must have completed at least one short film. DFI’s team of experts will work closely with successful applicants throughout the development, production and post-production stages, working with each filmmaker to develop and finalise scripts, establish budgets and schedules, secure creative and technical teams and provide mentorship opportunities with industry specialists as required. For feature films, the support includes script notes and feedback, script editors, writers’ fees, legal services, location scouting, budgeting and scheduling and casting, among others. Recipients of the Qatari Film Fund will also receive creative and technical training and mentoring through Doha Film Institute’s Learning Initiatives. Qatari directors and writers can submit their applications from January 26 until February 13, 2025, covering various genres, including narrative, documentary, and 2D animation projects. Applicants can add production feasibility in their scripts, particularly regarding location numbers and cast size. The selection process involves three comprehensive stages, beginning with initial project submission to be sent by email to qff@dohafilminstitute.com, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates, and final selection. Those who are not selected will also receive valuable feedback and development suggestions through the Institute’s Learning Initiatives, with the opportunity to reapply in future funding cycles. For detailed information visit: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/financing/grants/qff
The Amerigo Vespucci World Tour arrives in Qatar.
From 17 to 22 December the Amerigo Vespucci will stop at “Old Doha Port”,together with the Villaggio Italia, the mini “expo” dedicated to Italian excellence The Amerigo Vespucci, historic sailing ship and training ship of the Italian Navyand the rich program of events dedicated to Italian culture and gastronomy of the Villaggio Italia will be accessible free of charge upon reservation here The following are expected at the Villaggio Italia in Doha:The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Italian Government Francesco Lollobrigida, Undersecretary of State to the Italian Ministry of Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago,The Ambassador of Italy at the State of Qatar Paolo Toschi,Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy Admiral Giuseppe Berutti BergottoThe CEO of Difesa Servizi Luca Andreoli. The inaugural ceremony of the Villaggio Italia will be held on Tuesday 17 December at 4 pm On Wednesday 18 December the Amerigo Vespucci will pay homage to Qatar on the occasion of National Day. Doha, 15 December 2024 – The world tour of the Amerigo Vespucci, the historic sailing ship and training ship of the Italian Navy, Ambassador of Made in Italy in the world, stops in Qatar for the first time in its 93-year history. It will stop in Doha from 17 to 22 December, the 30th stop on the Vespucci World Tour, which started from Italy on 1 July 2023. During its stay in Doha, the Amerigo Vespucci will be flanked by Villaggio Italia, the international exposition of Made in Italy which brings together the “nationals of Italian excellence”, so that the Amerigo Vespucci’s round-the-world trip is a unitary expression of the values of the entire nation and a showcase of Italian excellence and supply chains, a driving force for the economy and for the diffusion of Italian culture. The initiative “Vespucci World Tour – Villaggio Italia”, strongly desired by the Minister of Defence of the Italian Government Guido Crosetto and to which 11 Ministries adhere, together with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, combines the traditional training and naval diplomacy of the training ship with the promotion of Made in Italy excellence in the main ports covered by the campaign. This is the sixth appointment with the Villaggio Italia after those in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Darwin, Singapore and Mumbai, held in Qatar with the support of the Italian Embassy in Doha, the Italian Trade Agency and local partners Qatar Tourism, Katara Cultural Village and Old Doha Port. The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests of the Italian Government Francesco Lollobrigida, the Undersecretary of State to the Italian Ministry of Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago , the Italian Ambassador to the State of Qatar Paolo Toschi, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, andthe CEO of Difesa Servizi Luca Andreoli, the in-house company of the Ministry of Defense that creates and supports all phases of the initiative, are expected at the Villaggio Italia in Doha. The arrival in Doha of the Vespucci World Tour and the Villaggio Italia is part of the intense bilateral relationship between Italy and Qatar that has strengthened in recent years thanks to constant institutional dialogue. In fact, there were three visits to Italy by the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al Thani between 2016 and 2023 preceded, in January 2020, by the State visit to Doha of the President of the Republic while in September 2023 the Prime Minister Meloni went to Doha to meet the Emir. On the occasion of the last State Visit, last October 21, it was the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella himself who announced to the Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the arrival in Doha of the Vespucci ship, in conjunction with the celebrations of the National Day of Qatar, on December 18, 2024. A tangible sign of the deep bond that binds the two Nations. As evidence of the growing relationship between the two countries, the growing ties in the fields of politics and diplomacy, economics, security and defense, culture, science, sports and much more. During the stopover in Doha, the Amerigo Vespucci and the Villaggio Italia will be open to the public free of charge. Prior booking on the website. it will be possible to go aboard to experience first-hand the charm of the ship defined as “the most beautiful in the world”, guardian of the most ancient naval and seafaring traditions for over ninety years and emblem of the Italian Armed Forces. Always after registration it will also be possible to access free of charge the Villaggio Italia, which in Doha offers a rich artistic, musical and gastronomic program. The activities proposed by the Villaggio Italia in Doha Villaggio Italia, with all its exhibitions, will be open to the public every day from 10AM to 11PM (with the exception of Tuesday 17 December when it will open to the public at 5PM after the inaugural ceremony and Sunday 22 December when it will close at 12PM after the unmooring of the ship). Entrance to Villaggio Italia is free. On the website you can find more information and reserve your places for the activities scheduled at the Villaggio Italia. Culture Music: Art: at the Villaggio Italia in Doha there will be, for the first time, an exclusive space dedicated to the Italian artist JAGO (Jacopo Cardillo), a young Italian sculptor already famous around the world, the first artist to have sent a marble sculpture to the International Space Station, in 2019, on the occasion of the “Beyond” mission of the European Space Agency. In Doha Jago will exhibit the marble work “Family” in which three forearms intertwine and embrace each other in a continuous and fluid movement where each hand holds the other creating a seamless circle that reveals the importance of cohesion and mutual belonging. And Italian marble, much appreciated in Qatar, is among the excellent protagonists of the Villaggio Italia, with an ad hoc masterclass curated by the ICE Agency, Italian Trade Agency, on Thursday 19
Doha Film Institute Showcases Exciting Homegrown Talent in Made in Qatar Program at Ajyal 2024
Doha Film Institute (DFI) is showcasing an inspiring selection of stories by Qatar’s emerging film talents in the Made in Qatar programme at the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival. One of the most popular programs at Ajyal, Made in Qatar showcases films by Qatari and Qatar-based talents, and is a testament to the limitless potential of Qatar’s creative community. The selection includes five diverse films that underline the creative progress of the country’s flourishing film industry with two films created with support from the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar. The jury for this year’s Made in Qatar program is led by acclaimed Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri and includes Kenyan filmmaker Debra Aroko and Qatari director Amal Al Muftah. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI and Festival Director, said: ” After a successful special screening of Made in Qatar films earlier this year, we are proud to screen five additional new films reflecting the diversity of our nation and the progress of our creative talent to prominence on the world stage. The program continues to be a cornerstone of Ajyal, providing a platform for homegrown voices to share their unique perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. The selection is a strong representation of the vibrant creative ecosystem that the nation has fostered and a testament to the success of the Institute’s commitment to supporting filmmakers through every step of their creative journey.” The program includes I Lay for You to Sleep (Qatar/2024) by Ali Al Hajri, a contemplative experimental narrative that explores the emotional depths of loss and renewal through poetic imagery. As women prepare a body for burial, we follow Ali’s journey through memories and reflections, confronting the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. The film is also screening in the Bader Shorts Competition. Alkaline (Qatar/2024) by Paul Abraham and Abdulla Al-Hor highlights the complex interplay between personal choices, family expectations and how fear can shape relationships in profound ways. Presenting how a father’s health scare changes his life and creates a rift with his son, the film journeys through the conversations and self-reflection by the son to bridge the divide. The film, in Malayalam and English, was created with support from the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar. Breshna (Qatar/2024) by Obada Jarbi narrates the moving story of a survivor of a terrorist attack in Kabul who finds refuge in Qatar. The poignant short film captures her reflection on hope, resilience and the longing for peace as she comes to terms with loss and survival. Through her story, the film offers a deeply personal perspective on displacement and the strength needed to seek a new beginning amidst painful memories. Can You See Me? (Qatar/2024) by Dhoha Abdelsattar follows a lonely woman, Maryam, who is trapped in the cycle of a mundane life that spirals into emotional turmoil until she is forced to confront herself and the possibility of change. This evocative short is a reflective journey through the quiet struggles of inner turmoil, exploring resilience and self-discovery. Cochlea (Qatar/2024) by Karim Emara, supported by the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar, is about Rokia, a 50-year-old Arab woman who reunites with her twenty-year-old son, Youssef, after six months apart. During their reunion, Rokia insists on performing a ritual she has often imposed on him. Despite his resistance, Yousef begins to understand that his mother’s unusual way of expressing love and care runs deeper than simply wanting him to be clean. Ajyal 2024 features 66 thought-provoking films from 42 countries depicting themes that will resonate with and inspire audiences with stories of resilience, hope and community empowerment. The event will also have interactive discussions, inclusive screenings, film exhibition, Qatar’s largest pop-culture event – Geekend. Events will be held across key locations, including Katara, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Lusail and VOX Cinemas Doha Festival City. Tickets can be purchased online at https://my.dohafilminstitute.com/ajyal/films/
‘Voices from Palestine’ at Ajyal 2024 is a Compelling Tribute to Palestinian Resilience, Resistance and Hope
In a poignant tribute to the resilience, resistance and hope of the Palestinian people, Ajyal 2024, presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), will present the next installment of its ‘Voices from Palestine’ programme featuring films by Palestinian filmmakers who courageously present the lived realities of their people. Standing in solidarity with Palestinians, the program is a depiction of Palestine in times of profound collective mourning and reflection. These important stories and perspectives that might otherwise remain unheard are a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the people. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI and Festival Director, said: “At a critical moment in history when the voice of the powerless is distorted through propaganda and false narratives, it is more important than ever to amplify genuine voices from Palestine. These films are a call across the world for recognition, justice and empathy. We are creating a space to promote the values of empathy and compassion and believe these stories will resonate far and wide to inspire and ignite bonds of solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Their unimaginable suffering comes alive through films that convey powerful messages that no other medium can deliver with equal intensity and honesty.” One of the highlights of the programme is From Ground Zero (Palestine, France, Qatar, Jordan, UAE/2024), an anthology of 22 short films created by filmmakers from Gaza, curated by renowned Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi. Set against the backdrop of the 2023 attacks, each film, ranging from 3 to 6 minutes, offers a unique and personal lens into life in Gaza under siege. Providing an intimate and poignant portrayal of the human experience in a war-torn enclave, where survival, loss, and hope coexist in fragile balance, the film presents the perspectives of both seasoned and emerging filmmakers. Capturing raw emotions and everyday struggles of life under occupation, it gives voice to those whose stories are being silenced. The project stands as both a testament to the filmmakers’ perseverance and a reflection of the collective resilience of a people enduring unimaginable hardship, capturing moments of beauty, pain, and defiance. Janin Jenin (Palestine/2024) by Mohammad Bakri documents the director’s revisit of Jenin refugee camp, reflecting on the devastation caused by Israel’s 2023 military invasion. Building on the framework of his 2002 documentary ‘Jenin, Jenin’, this new film captures the ongoing struggle of the camp’s residents as they recount their experiences of destruction, loss, and resistance. While the film confronts difficult truths, it serves as an essential perspective on a conflict too often seen through a single lens. An Orange from Jaffa (Palestine, Poland, France/2024) by Mohammed Almughanni, documents the journey of a young Palestinian to cross an Israeli checkpoint with a temporary Polish identity card. After being turned down by other drivers, Farouk, a well-meaning taxi driver, offers him a ride. However, they soon encounter severe trouble when the checkpoint authorities discover Mohammed’s previous failed attempt to cross. The Deer’s Tooth (Palestine/2024) by Saif Hammash is set in Dheisheh refugee camp, where young Wisam struggles with grief and isolation following his younger brother’s death. When he finds his brother’s last milk tooth, memories resurface, reminding him of his promise to throw it into the sea—an unreachable place due to restrictions. Determined to keep his word, Wisam sets out on a dangerous journey that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. The Poem We Sang (Canada, Palestine, Jordan/2024) by Annie Sakkab is an experimental documentary which meditates on love, longing, and the trauma of forced migration. Drawing on personal family history, the film explores the impact of displacement on generations through the lens of a poem sung by the director’s father and uncle about their childhood home in Palestine. With richly layered visuals and a deeply personal narrative, the film serves as a tribute to memory, heritage, and the resilience of the Palestinian spirit Undr (Palestine, Germany/2024) by Kamal Aljafari presents a striking visual narrative of the Palestinian landscape under occupation. Combining archival footage with aerial views, the film juxtaposes scenes of pastoral calm—farmers working, children playing—with violent intrusions of dynamite and destruction. With its haunting images, the film reflects on the enduring impact of surveillance, militarism, and colonialism in Palestine. The 2024 Ajyal features 66 thought-provoking films from 42 countries, including 18 features and 48 shorts, with 26 films by Arab filmmakers and 24 by women directors. The festival will be held across key locations in Doha, including Katara, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Lusail and VOX Cinemas Doha Festival City.