Doha: The Doha Film Institute announced the selection of 22 films to participate in the International Short Film Competition at the 2026 Doha Film Festival, scheduled to take place from November 19 to 27.
The list includes two films making their world premiere, and 19 films being screened for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together diverse cultures, continents, and cinematic concepts through works by both emerging and established directors, offering distinctive perspectives that highlight personal experiences, collective history, and the complexities prevailing in a rapidly changing world.
Among the standout films in the competition are "For the Competitors" by director Federico Luis, winner of the Golden Palm for Best Short Film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, and "Moments of Happiness" by director Shaden Safi Al-Din Tazi, winner of the Best Short Film award in the Horizons section at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, alongside a rich selection of international cinema and compelling stories from the Arab world.
In this context, Fatima Hassan Al Rumaithi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute and Director of the Doha Film Festival, said: "Short films give their creators the freedom to engage in bold creative experiments, challenge traditional templates, and present new perspectives on screen. They serve as a powerful reminder that cinema does not need large-scale production to leave a lasting impact, and at the Doha Film Festival, we celebrate this spirit of experimentation and discovery."
She added: "This year's International Short Film Competition celebrates the diversity of independent cinema and its creative strength, as the selected films emerge from their communities and local experiences, while also addressing issues and experiences that transcend borders. We look forward to welcoming these voices in Doha."
The jury includes French-Moroccan producer Karim Aitouna, Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu, and Swiss-Rwandan actress and director Kajej Kagami.
The competition awards include the Best Short Film Award worth 20,000 US dollars, the Best Director Award worth 12,000 US dollars, and the Best Acting Performance Award worth 7,000 US dollars, along with a special commendation certificate.
The Doha Film Festival 2026 will be held from November 19 to 27, with the participation of filmmakers, audiences, and prominent cinematic voices from the region and around the world
