Qumra 2025 by Doha Film Institute to Nurture 18 Promising Projects from Qatar
Doha, Qatar; March 23, 2025: Doha Film Institute has announced a lineup of 18 projects by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers for the 11th edition of Qumra, underlining the remarkable continuing growth of the local film industry. The selection includes innovative narratives spanning features and shorts in various stages of development and production. The annual talent incubator for Arab and international cinema, Qumra 2025 will be held in-person in Doha from April 4 to 9 and online from April 12 to 14. Qatari projects are among 49 diverse projects by emerging filmmakers from 23 countries at this year’s edition. Qumra offers mentorship, skills development, and network-building opportunities to selected projects by first- and second-time filmmakers. Among the Qumra projects this year from Qatar, nine are by Qatari nationals who present compelling themes spanning multiple genres. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “The strong representation of local projects at Qumra 2025 is a testament to the passion, resilience, and creative strength of our storytellers. It signals the emergence of a truly vibrant film industry that is bold, authentic and ready to make its mark on the world. At DFI, we are honoured to have contributed to this creative movement, providing filmmakers with the support to bring their unique voices to the global stage.” Qatar-based projects at Qumra 2025 includes: Development – Feature Narrative: The Pearl (Working Title) (Qatar) by Noor Al-Nasr is about a tech-obsessed Qatari teen, feeling disconnected from his family, who travels back in time to an era before his beloved technology existed and pearl diving was the main source of income. In Production – Feature Narrative Work-in-progress– Feature Narrative Work-in-progress- Feature Documentary or Essay Development – TV or Web Series Development – Short Narratives Inside the White Canvas (Qatar) by Amna Al-Binali is about Nora, who struggles to earn her father’s approval as her growing curiosity about the forbidden outside world threatens to unravel their fragile bond. Development – Short Documentary or Essay Post-Production – Work-in-progress – Short Narratives Qadha’ w Qadar (Qatar) by Maryam Al-Mohammed is about a young woman who defies societal shame and her mother’s disapproval to seek a divorce and finally claim her freedom and independence. Post-Production – Work-in-progress – Short Documentary or Essay Post-Production – Picture Lock – Short Documentary or Essay The talents will attend masterclasses and mentorship sessions by this year’s Qumra Masters Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas and Johnnie To. Over 200 industry experts will also advise projects on storytelling, filmmaking, directing, editing, cinematography and sound, focusing on the specific needs of each project. The public can access the full Qumra experience of Qumra Master Classes and Qumra Screenings with the Qumra Pass. Audiences can also enjoy the remarkable selection of Doha Film Institute supported feature-length films from the region and around the world by purchasing individual tickets. For more information about Qumra 2025 and to purchase passes for screenings and master classes, please visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com