open call
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Open globally
Doha Film Festival 2026 Open Call
Doha Film Institute (DFI)
Funding amount
$20,000
Deadline
August 1, 2026
Level
Other
What's covered
Project Support
Network
Global exposure
Creative collaborations
About this opportunity
The Doha Film Festival (DFF) 2026 is an international platform organized by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) to celebrate original storytelling and support emerging filmmakers from Qatar, the Arab world, and the global film community. The festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals through screenings, competitions, networking events, and awards.
The 2026 edition will take place from 19–27 November 2026 in Doha, Qatar. For this cycle, submissions are open exclusively for short films across several competition categories.
Requirements
Submit Short Films Only
Eligible genres include:
Fiction
Documentary
Animation
Experimental
Film Length
Maximum runtime: 20 minutes.
Production Date
Films must have been completed after 1 January 2025.
Premiere Requirements
International Short Competition
Must have a MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Premiere.
Ajyal Short Film Competition
Must have a Middle East Premiere.
Made in Qatar
Must have a Qatar Premiere.
Language Requirements
Non-English films must include English subtitles and a time-coded dialogue list.
Submission Fee
Free.
Required Materials
Applicants typically submit:
Film screener
Film synopsis
Director biography
Production information
Poster and still images
English subtitles (if applicable)
Dialogue list for non-English films