Doha: Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Fall Grants Cycle, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support independent cinema globally. With this announcement, DFI has surpassed 1,000 supported projects worldwide since the program's inception.
According to Qatar News Agency, the 2025 Fall Grants Cycle will support 57 projects from 46 countries, including 10 projects by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers. This initiative emphasizes DFI's dedication to nurturing local talent while sustaining a diverse international film development ecosystem. The grants, awarded biannually in Spring and Fall, focus on empowering first- and second-time filmmakers worldwide, along with established MENA directors in post-production. They support various formats, including feature-length and short narratives, documentaries, experimental and essay films, and television and web series.
The 2025 Fall cycle is noted for its diverse selection, featuring projects from 14 MENA countries as well as participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of DFI, highlighted the program's goal to rebalance the world cinema landscape by supporting stories shaped by diverse experiences and artistic courage. She emphasized the long-term commitment to voices from regions facing barriers to representation.
The selected projects span a wide range of genres and regions. In feature narrative development, notable projects include "The Man Who's Gone" by Naji Ismail, a co-production between Egypt and Qatar, and "The Guardian" by Muhannad Lamin, a collaboration involving Libya, Algeria, Canada, and Qatar. Projects in production include "Occupational Hazards" by Bassel Ghandour and "Wolfmother" by Ismael El Iraki, among others.
Feature narrative post-production projects feature films such as "Algerican Road" by Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche and "Chronicles from the Siege" by Abdallah Al Khatib. Documentary projects in development include "Remind Me to Forget" by Lama Jamjoom and "Everything She Didn't Say" by Farah Abada.
In documentary production, selected projects include "Souad and Lamine" by Mohamed Ali Nahdi and "Sama" by Rabab Khamis. Post-production documentaries feature "My Mother and I" by Dilpak Majeed and "What Day Are We In?" by Hussein Zuhour, among others.
The program also supports experimental and essay films, such as "B.A.H.R Alphabet" by Sabine El Chamaa. Television projects in development include "Dirty Hands" by Georges Hazim and Maya Dagher, "The Gate of Resurrection" by Firas Khoury, and "Arab Love" by Nejib Belkadhi.
Short narrative projects in development and production cover a wide range of themes and settings, including "Nouria" by Fatima Alnaemi and "A World of Donkeys" by Majid Al Remaihi. The initiative also supports non-MENA projects, such as "The Devil's Wells" by Jairo Boisier Olave and "32 Meters" by Morteza Atabaki.
DFI's 2025 Fall Grants Cycle illustrates its commitment to fostering a rich diversity of cinematic voices and perspectives, ensuring the future of film is shaped by authenticity and inclusivity.