Student films to feature in Doha Film Festival 2025 Made in Qatar program
The films, which explore family dynamics, cultural traditions, and personal resilience, were developed through Studio 20Q, a student-run club at Northwestern Qatar that provides students with the opportunity to conceive, produce, and showcase original films.
“Every year, our students remind us why storytelling matters, and this recognition at the Doha Film Festival is a beautiful testament to their talent, dedication, and courage. These films reflect not only technical skill and creative vision but also the deeply personal experiences, values, and questions that shape life in our region. I am incredibly proud of the students who brought these stories to the screen and grateful to the Doha Film Institute for providing a platform where our student voices can be seen, heard, and celebrated”
Qadha’ W Qadar, directed by Maryam Al-Mohammed and produced by Vitória Teixeira, tells the story of a young woman confronting societal shame and familial expectations to claim her independence through divorce. In tense, intimate moments across corridors and chambers, the protagonist negotiates generational loyalties and personal freedom, offering a meditation on the sacrifices women make to honor both family and self. The film examines the delicate balance between silence and self-expression, illustrating how choosing one’s voice can challenge deeply ingrained social norms.
Is This a Sign?, directed by Maria Joseph Kavalackal and produced by Kadhi Al Makhmari, follows the chaotic yet humorous moments before a young woman’s wedding. The bride, Taara, navigates a series of misadventures, including a protective father, a mischievous younger sister, and the disappearance of a family heirloom pendant—all as she contemplates the balance between love, duty, and personal hesitation. The short film blends comedy and heartfelt introspection, capturing the tension and excitement of a life-defining moment with warmth and relatability.
Yom El Jum’a, directed by Haya Al Kuwari and produced by Jassim Al Kuwari, portrays the afternoon of Mubarak, a short-tempered father who cherishes Friday family gatherings. When his eldest son unexpectedly drops off his energetic granddaughter, Joud, Mubarak navigates a series of humorous and heartfelt situations. Through their interactions, the film reveals the enduring bonds of family, showing that while blood connects people, it is love that sustains them.
Taking place from November 20–28, 2025, DFF represents the bold next chapter in the Doha Film Institute's mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and authentic stories in cinema. The festival will transform iconic locations across Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art, into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from every corner of the globe, to reaffirm art’s power to inspire, to unite, and to spotlight voices that deepen shared understanding.
This is yet another platform where Northwestern Qatar students have shared their work with wider audiences, joining a growing list of opportunities that includes conferences, exhibitions, and other film festivals around the world.
