Doha Film Institute Invites Submissions for 2025 Qatari Film Fund

Above the Tamarind Tree

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has opened submissions for the 2025 Qatari Film Fund (QFF), continuing its mission to support local filmmakers and foster a thriving creative industry in Qatar. Applications, which are open from January 26 to February 13, invite Qatari directors and writers to submit projects spanning narrative, documentary, and 2D animation genres.

Since its launch, the Qatari Film Fund has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s burgeoning film industry, supporting  projects and propelling many into the spotlight. Among its recent successes are Above the Tamarind Tree by Buthyna Al-Mohammadi and I Lay For You To Sleep by Ali Al Hajri, both of which received acclaim at the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival.

Two additional projects awarded funding in 2024 are currently in pre-production. Sad Boy: The Movie, by Qatari artist N&LS, explores themes of grief and healing through a surreal, emotional narrative. Meanwhile, Maria and the Unicorn, directed by Kholoud Al-Ali, tells the whimsical story of a girl and her magical companion navigating the bittersweet challenges of friendship and farewell.

The Qatari Film Fund provides substantial resources to filmmakers, offering development, production, and post-production support. Short film projects can receive up to QAR182,500, with additional mentorship, equipment, and production assistance from DFI. Feature films are eligible for similar financial and developmental backing, with one feature annually selected for full production funding in the following year.

“Through the Qatari Film Fund, we aim to empower local storytellers to bring their unique visions to life while positioning Qatar as a hub for cinematic excellence,” said Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute. “This initiative has been instrumental in creating a vibrant national film ecosystem, providing both emerging and established filmmakers with the tools and support they need to succeed.”

The fund emphasizes collaboration, offering filmmakers hands-on mentorship from script development to final production. For feature films, this includes assistance with script feedback, budgeting, location scouting, casting, and other critical production elements.

Projects must adhere to specific criteria, such as duration limits for short films—12 minutes for narratives, 7 minutes for animations, and 30 minutes for documentaries. Feature film scripts must be at least 80 minutes long, with applicants required to have completed at least one short film.

The selection process spans three stages, starting with an initial submission, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates, and concluding with the final selection. Even those who are not selected will receive feedback to help refine their projects and increase their chances in future funding cycles.

As Qatar continues to invest in its creative industries, initiatives like the Qatari Film Fund are pivotal in elevating local talent and sharing Qatari stories with global audiences. For more details, aspiring filmmakers can visit the Doha Film Institute’s website.

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