Doha Film Festival presents 20 international short films in competition from over 1,600 submissions

Doha, Qatar: Doha Film Festival announced a compelling selection of international shorts in competition representing diverse voices by emerging filmma...

Doha, Qatar: Doha Film Festival announced a compelling selection of international shorts in competition representing diverse voices by emerging filmmakers from across the world. Twenty films demonstrating bold storytelling, innovative formats and important perspectives have been selected out of a record number of 1,600 submissions.

The selection highlights Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) ongoing commitment to recognising fresh promising new global talent and authentic storytelling. The films will compete for Best Film (US$20,000), Best Director (US$12,000) and Best Performance (US$7,000), awarded by a three-member jury led by industry professional Eddie Bertozzi and includes filmmakers Faris Alrjoob and Zoljargal Purevdash.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and CEO of DFI, said: “The record number of over 1,600 submissions from every corner of the world reflects not only the strength of the festival’s platform but also the universal belief in cinema as a bridge between cultures.Short films carry the pulse of our times — bold, immediate, and deeply connected to the world around them. Our selection represents an exciting range of geographic diversity and an exceptional breadth of narratives –presenting the many sides of humanity,their aspirations, and fearless creative innovation, reminding us that great storytelling knows no borders.”

Stories from Lebanon, Portugal, Morocco, India, Brazil and beyond navigate grief, memory and the human spirit of resiliencethrough tales of persecution, belonging, and the endurance of hope. The programme presents a globally diverse slate, sharing intimate personal stories with honest social candour and includes a poignant first ever short film from East Greenland and the Palme D’or winner I’m Glad You’re Dead Now among many others.

Films in the International Short Film Competition are: