The Doha Film Festival released its 15-title competition lineup, featuring primarily Middle East premieres of regional films. Seven of the competing titles are directed by women.
Sara Ishaq's "The Station," a drama by the Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker, anchors the selection. The film examines the impact of Yemen's civil war on the country and was previously announced for the festival.
The competition emphasizes Middle Eastern cinema and emerging voices from the region. The festival's programming reflects a deliberate focus on female directors within its main slate, representing nearly half of the competition entries.
The Doha Film Festival continues positioning itself as a platform for regional storytelling and filmmakers working within and about the Middle East. The lineup underscores the festival's commitment to centering women's perspectives in cinema from the Arab world and beyond.