Doha Film Institute Opens Submissions for 2025 Qatari Film Fund to Nurture Homegrown Film Ecosystem

Doha Film Institute has announced that submissions for the 2025 Qatari Film Fund (QFF) will open on January 26, underlining its commitment to nurturing local voices and building a robust creative economy.

Since its inception, the Qatari Film Fund has supported more than xx projects, with Above the Tamarind Tree by Buthyna Al-Mohammadi and I Lay For You To Sleep by Ali Al Hajri gaining acclaim at the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival.

Two QFF projects, awarded in 2024, are currently in pre-production: Sad Boy: The Movie by Qatari artist N&LS, which is set in a surreal and melancholic world, and follows the story of a grief-stricken boy who learns to navigate pain and haunting memories by embarking on an emotional journey toward healing and self-discovery, and Maria and the Unicorn by filmmaker Kholoud Al-Ali, a touching tale about a lonely girl whose life transforms when she befriends a lost unicorn but tensions arise when the girl is faced with helping the unicorn find its way back.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: " Qatar Film Fund has been a cornerstone in the development of our national film industry, providing vital support to emerging and established filmmakers. Over the years, QFF has helped create a strong national film ecosystem, with local talents benefiting not only from funding but from comprehensive script-to-screen support. It has empowered our storytellers to bring their unique visions to life, fostering a vibrant creative community and positioning Qatar as a hub for cinematic excellence. Through this fund, we are not only advancing our local talent but also sharing our culture and stories with the world.”

Supporting the skills and accomplishments of Qatari filmmakers, the Fund is committed to the development of up to four feature films, and the development, production and post-production of up to eight short films annually. Feature films developed through the fund are eligible for financial support for production, and one film will be selected for production funding in the following year.

Short films are eligible for funding valued at up to QAR182,500 that includes development, production and post-production funds, mentorship, equipment and production support from the Institute. They must adhere to specific duration limits: short narrative films should not exceed 12 minutes, 2D animation should be limited to 7 minutes, and documentaries can run up to 30 minutes.
Feature film treatments and screenplays at any level of progress are eligible for development funding valued at up to QAR182,500 that includes development services, mentorship, equipment and other support from the Institute. The duration for feature-length films are defined as 80 minutes or longer, and the director applying for funding must have completed at least one short film.

DFI’s team of experts will work closely with successful applicants throughout the development, production and post-production stages, working with each filmmaker to develop and finalise scripts, establish budgets and schedules, secure creative and technical teams and provide mentorship opportunities with industry specialists as required. For feature films, the support includes script notes and feedback, script editors, writers’ fees, legal services, location scouting, budgeting and scheduling and casting, among others.

Recipients of the Qatari Film Fund will also receive creative and technical training and mentoring through Doha Film Institute’s Learning Initiatives.

Qatari directors and writers can submit their applications from January 26 until February 13, 2025, covering various genres, including narrative, documentary, and 2D animation projects. Applicants can add production feasibility in their scripts, particularly regarding location numbers and cast size.

The selection process involves three comprehensive stages, beginning with initial project submission to be sent by email to qff@dohafilminstitute.com, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates, and final selection. Those who are not selected will also receive valuable feedback and development suggestions through the Institute's Learning Initiatives, with the opportunity to reapply in future funding cycles.

 

For detailed information visit: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/financing/grants/qff