Mexico City, June 29 (QNA) - The Doha Film Institute (DFI) hosted a contemporary Arab cinema week at the Cineteca Nacional de las Artes in Mexico City, Mexico.

Held as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, the event presented a curated selection of seven films supported by DFI in recent years, with some being Cannes, Venice, and Thessaloniki prize-winners.

The screenings saw an exceptional turnout, underscoring the strong interest in contemporary Arab cinema among Mexican audiences.

The programme offered them a rare opportunity to experience films from Iraq, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Egypt, exploring themes of identity, memory, family, and tradition.

Commenting on the event, HE Advisor on Latin America for the Years of Culture Mohammed Al Kuwari, who formerly served as the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mexico, said, "Years of Culture is built on the idea that lasting partnerships are shaped through people-to-people connection. Film plays a vital role in that by enabling stories to travel."

"The Years of Culture's summer programme, which coincides with World Cup 2026 also reflects a broader vision: using culture alongside sport to build meaningful, long-term connections between societies," Al Kuwari added.

In turn, Director of Outreach and Programming at Cineteca Nacional de las Artes Nelson Carro said, "Our partnership with the Doha Film Institute is especially valuable, as it gives us access to films that are not always easy for us to reach. Since we mainly work with European distributors, access to Arab cinema is not always direct."

"Through this collaboration, we were able to present a carefully curated programme of films that explore themes that speak to all of us. That is why we believe it is so important to continue strengthening this relationship and giving it room to grow," Carro added.

The film cycle is part of a wider programme that the Years of Culture will roll out in Mexico City this summer, in partnership with institutions such as Museo Jumex and the Centro de Cultura Digital, spanning film, art, heritage, design and sport throughout 2026. (QNA)