Doha, November 29 (QNA) - The 2025 Doha Film Festival, organized by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), concluded with the winners being crowned in the competitions of International Feature‑Film, the International Short‑Film, the "Made in Qatar", and the Ajyal Young Creators, dedicated to youth aged 16 to 25.

The closing ceremony was attended by HE Chairman of Qatar Fund for Development and Member of the Board of Trustees of DFI, Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al‑Thani, HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of Media City Qatar Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al‑Thani, HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, HE Managing Director of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar Abdulaziz Ali Al Moulowi, Member of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Abdullah Al Najjar, Chief Executive Officer of Media City Qatar Jassim Mohammed Al Khoury, alongside a range of VIP guests.

HE Chairman of Qatar Fund for Development and Member of the Board of Trustees of DFI, Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al‑Thani, handed over the Audience Award to the director of "Cotton Queen", Suzannah Mirghani.

In the International Feature Film Competition, the Best Performance Award went to actors Majd Eid and Nader Abdulhadi for "Once Upon a Time in Gaza", while the Best Artistic Achievement Award was presented to Kamal Al Jaafari for "With Hassan in Gaza" and Chie Hayakawa for "Renoir".

The Best Feature Documentary Award was claimed by "My Father and Qaddafi", directed by Libyan‑Syrian filmmaker Jihan, and the Best Narrative Feature Film Award went to "The City That Never Sleeps", directed by Guillermo Gallo. Meanwhile, "The Reserve", directed by Pablo Perez Lombardini, received a Special Mention.

The jury for the International Feature Film Competition was chaired by Oscar‑nominated Cambodian director Rithy Panh, and included Tunisian director‑screenwriter Raja Amari, Tunisian actor‑director Dhafer L'Abidine, internationally renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, and Alessandra Speziali, founder and coordinator of Final Cut at the Venice Film Festival.

In the International Short Film Competition, the Best Performance Award was claimed by Milica Janevski for "Upon Sunrise", while the Best Director Award went to Aria Sánchez & Marina Meira for "Primary Education".

The Best Film Award was presented to "Samba Infinito", directed by Leonardo Martinelli.

  The jury for this competition was chaired by cinema sector expert Eddie Bertozzi, alongside directors Faris Alrjoob and Zoljargal Purevdash.

In the Made in Qatar Film Competition, the Abdulaziz Jassim Award for Best Performance went to Rashid Al Sheeb for "Fahad the Furious", while the Best Director Award was secured by Eiman Mirghani for "Villa 187".

The Best Film Award went to "Fahad the Furious", directed by Justin Kramer, with a Special Mention for "Project Aisha", directed by Fahad Al Nahdi.

The jury in this competition was chaired by actress, director, and producer Afef Ben Mahmoud, and included Fahad Ahmed Al Kuwari, Head of Development at Katara Studios, and producer/distributor Alaa Alasad.

In the Ajyal Film Competition, dedicated to youth aged 16 to 25, the Best Feature Film Award went to "The Voice of Hind Rajab", directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, while the Best Short Film Award was claimed by "Sulaimani", directed by Vinnie Ann Bose.

Winners in this competition were selected by the Ajyal jury, comprising young cinephiles aged 16 to 25 from around the world.

The festival, held from Nov.20 to 28, 2025, was proudly supported by key strategic partners, including the Katara Cultural Village, Media City Qatar / Film Committee, and Visit Qatar, highlighting the strong national and international collaboration that powers this premier cinematic showcase.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), artist and jury member Fahad Al Kuwari, Head of Development at Katara Studios, emphasized that Qatari cinema today, through the "Made in Qatar" program, occupies a strong position, reflecting a remarkable maturation in the voices of filmmakers across all levels, far surpassing previous years.

He added that the jury's mission this year was particularly challenging, given the elevated caliber and competitive quality of the films under review.

Screenwriter and novelist Kamam Al Maadid told QNA that her participation in previous DFI festivals, as a volunteer or staff member, inspired her to nurture this year's festival experience, particularly through the workshops and training offered, underscoring that script production remains the pivotal link in the cinematic production chain.

  Veteran actor Rashid Al Sheeb, winner of the Best Performance Award for his role in "Fahad the Furious", commented that this edition of the festival ranks among the most exceptional, both for its outstanding Qatari attendance and international presence.

The festival featured 97 inspiring films from 62 countries, alongside an extensive lineup of events tailored to the creative community, including special screenings, musical performances, the Geekdom initiative, and other community-driven programs.

Doha Film Festival 2025 presented four main competitions, reinforcing its reputation as a flagship platform for cinematic excellence and creative innovation. (QNA)