The 11th edition of Qumra, the Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) annual talent incubator, officially opened on April 4, 2025, in the heart of Doha, Qatar. With an expanding global reputation for discovering and nurturing filmmaking talent, Qumra 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most ambitious editions yet.
Leading the charge this year is legendary Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, whose critically acclaimed works such as The Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station have captivated audiences and critics around the world. Salles joins the event as one of the prestigious Qumra Masters, offering mentorship, masterclasses, and personalized guidance to rising filmmakers from across the globe.
This year, Qumra is hosting a record-breaking 250 industry experts from 50 countries, who are participating in a vibrant and collaborative environment focused on storytelling, technical skills, and market readiness. These professionals—ranging from producers and distributors to editors and festival programmers—are lending their expertise to 49 selected projects, each representing a unique and promising voice in global cinema.
Among these 49 projects, 16 come from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers, underscoring the strength and evolution of Qatar’s own film industry. The other projects include works-in-progress and new concepts from filmmakers across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Walter Salles’s involvement brings a special resonance to the event. Known for his poetic approach to filmmaking and his deep interest in human journeys, Salles emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and authenticity in cinema. In his opening address at Qumra, he spoke about the urgency of telling stories that connect people across geographies, ideologies, and generations.
Salles isn’t the only cinematic heavyweight at this year’s Qumra. He is joined by a formidable lineup of Qumra Masters including:
- Lav Diaz, the award-winning Filipino director known for his epic-length, socially engaged films
- Johnnie To, the prolific Hong Kong filmmaker celebrated for his mastery of crime and action cinema
- Anna Terrazas, the visionary Mexican costume designer behind hits like Roma
- Darius Khondji, the Iranian-French cinematographer whose striking visuals have shaped films from Se7en to Uncut Gems
Each Master will provide deep insight into their area of expertise through intimate mentorship sessions, interactive masterclasses, and informal discussions with selected filmmakers. The goal is to not only improve the technical skills of these young artists but also empower them to tell stories that challenge conventions and reflect untold perspectives.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, opened Qumra 2025 with a heartfelt speech welcoming all participants. “Their artistry, innovation, and commitment to storytelling have left an indelible mark on world cinema,” she said, referring to the Qumra Masters. “By sharing their knowledge and experience with our Qumra participants, they will inspire a new generation to refine their craft and tell bold, enduring stories that will shape the future of cinema.”
One of the core values of Qumra is community building through cinema. The event fosters a supportive network among filmmakers, both local and international, that continues well beyond the official dates. Over the years, Qumra has helped launch numerous projects that have gone on to screen at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto, and other major international festivals.
This year’s program is structured to maximize growth, learning, and exposure. The first segment of Qumra, running from April 4 to 9, features in-person mentoring sessions, group discussions, and public film screenings. This is followed by a second digital leg from April 12 to 14, enabling extended engagement with global mentors and allowing more flexibility for participation.
Public involvement is a key aspect of Qumra 2025. Screenings of seven Doha Film Institute-supported films are being held at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium. These films reflect a wide variety of cultures, topics, and storytelling techniques. Audiences in Doha are encouraged to attend and experience firsthand the innovative and bold work being produced by emerging filmmakers in the region.
Tickets for individual screenings, masterclasses, and special talks are available to the general public, making Qumra not just a platform for professionals but also a celebration of cinema for the community.
The event has grown significantly since its launch in 2014. What began as a modest initiative to support local filmmakers has evolved into a globally recognized platform that now attracts some of the world’s most respected artists and industry leaders. Qumra’s commitment to nurturing talent, supporting diverse voices, and elevating Middle Eastern storytelling has been widely applauded in the international film community.
For many participating filmmakers, Qumra represents a rare chance to gain exposure, receive feedback from top-tier mentors, and connect with producers and distributors who can bring their projects to life. Some participants are working on their debut features, while others are polishing their works-in-progress for the festival circuit or global distribution.
Qumra 2025 also puts a strong emphasis on innovation in storytelling. New forms of media—such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and hybrid documentaries—are being explored in select sessions. This reflects the broader industry trend of embracing nontraditional formats and cross-genre experimentation.
In a world where the film industry is rapidly evolving and where global voices are more crucial than ever, Qumra offers a vital space for creativity, collaboration, and mentorship. As Walter Salles aptly put it, “It’s not just about making films; it’s about creating a language that unites us, challenges us, and helps us understand the human experience in deeper ways.”
With six days of deep engagement, inspiration, and discovery ahead, Qumra 2025 is poised to once again shape the future of world cinema—one bold, meaningful story at a time.
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