The Doha Film Institute assembles a stellar lineup of mentors for its Qumra Arab industry incubator, featuring Mexican talents Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, Venice award-winner Alice Diop, Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi, and Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla. These industry leaders will engage in onstage discussions and provide guidance to emerging filmmakers.
Qumra: Fostering Arab Cinema Talent
Qumra, translating to ‘camera’ in Arabic, combines creative workshops, co-production markets, and festival-style screenings. The Doha Film Institute established the event to support debut and sophomore projects primarily from Arab directors while facilitating connections between Arab and global film communities. As a key supporter of independent Arab cinema, the institute also funds Arab television series.
Qumra 2026 showcases select Arab films at various production stages alongside television projects. Recent Doha Film Institute-backed features premiering at the Berlinale include Danielle Arbid’s Panorama opener Only Rebels Win, starring Hiam Abbass of Succession; Abdallah Alkhatib’s Chronicles from the Siege in Perspectives; and Mohammed Hammad’s Egyptian thriller Safe Exit.
Insights from DFI Leadership
“Qumra ensures emerging filmmakers receive support and visibility on artistic, professional, and global levels,” states DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi. She adds, “These distinguished masters for 2026 embody our conviction that mentorship transforms creative paths.”
DFI artistic advisor Elia Suleiman, acclaimed for films like Divine Intervention, The Time That Remains, and It Must Be Heaven, highlights Gael García Bernal’s return as a master from the inaugural edition. Suleiman notes that both Bernal and Luna excel as actors, directors, and producers. “It’s compelling to feature professionals versed in multiple industry roles,” he says.
The 12th edition of this distinctive gathering occurs from March 27 to April 1 in Doha, Qatar.
