Past, Present and Future of the Doha Film Institute | Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi

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We explore the history, mission, and future of Arab cinema in Qatar and the wider region in the first episode of the Doha Film Institute Podcast, powered by afikra. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, joins us to discuss the institute’s evolution from the Doha Tribeca Film Festival to a year-round platform supporting filmmakers through grants, mentorship, workshops, and networking events like Qumra. She reflects on DFI’s role in supporting storytellers, fostering a collaborative internal culture, and creating spaces for underrepresented perspectives. The conversation also delves into the resilience of the Arab film industry in the face of regional and global challenges, the strategic choices behind festival programing, and the institute’s long-term vision for a self-sustaining film ecosystem. 00:00 Introduction 02:37 A Childhood Defined by VHS and Subtitles 04:46 From English Literature to an Unexpected Career 07:09 Doha to New York 11:02 Challenging Global Misconceptions 14:14 Voices of the Underrepresented 16:49 Building a Year-Round Film Ecosystem 20:11 The Future of Arab Cinema on the Global Stage 23:20 A Growing Network of Support 27:52 Redefining Success Beyond the Oscars 31:50 Making Doha a Film Hub for the Global South 36:04 Mentorship and the DFI Family 41:21 Resilience Through Crisis 44:05 Recommended Watching 46:21 Film as a Serious Career Path 51:09 Closing Thoughts Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi is a Qatari cultural leader and film executive serving as CEO of the Doha Film Institute, known for developing Qatar’s film industry and supporting emerging filmmakers regionally and internationally through initiatives such as the Ajyal Youth Film Festival and Qumra. She has shaped the Institute’s strategic direction, expanded its regional and international presence, and helped elevate Arab cinema on the global stage. Al Remaihi joined the Institute at its inception in 2009 as Cultural Advisor to the first edition of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. She later served as Director of Programmes a