Lights, camera, awards! The inaugural Doha Film Festival in Qatar recently concluded, and the cinematic world is buzzing with the winners. Let’s dive into the highlights!
Taking home the coveted prize for Best Feature Film in the International Feature Film Competition was Guillermo Galoe’s “Sleepless City.” This film, which previously premiered at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, paints a vivid picture of Tonino, a 15-year-old whose world is turned upside down as his best friend prepares to leave. The film explores themes of home, friendship, and the gypsy legends that shaped his childhood, offering a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Madrid.
But here’s where it gets interesting… The audience award went to Suzannah Mirghani’s “Cotton Queen.” This film, which previously premiered in Venice Critics’ Week, follows teenage Nafisa, who becomes the center of a power struggle over genetically modified seeds, blending ecological critique with coming-of-age drama. It’s a powerful story about the future of a village in Sudan.
In the documentary category, Jihan’s “My Father and Qaddafi” took the spotlight. This film, which premiered in Venice’s Out of Competition section, tells the story of a daughter’s quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance.
For artistic achievement, the jury recognized “With Hasan in Gaza” by Kamal Al Jafari and “Renoir” by Chie Hayakawa. The best performance award was picked up by Majd Eid and Nader Abd Alhay from “Once Upon a Time in Gaza.”
Moving on to the Ajyal Competition, judged by a youth jury, Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab” was the big winner. In the International Short Film Competition, “Samba Infinito” by Leonardo Martinelli won best film, while Aria Sánchez and Marina Meira took home the best director award for “Primary Education.”
Finally, in the Made in Qatar section, “Fahad the Furious” by Justin Kramer won best film, and Eiman Mirghani received the best director award for “Villa 187.” Rashid Al Sheeb won the Abdulaziz Jassim Award for performance in “Fahad and the Furious.”
What do you think? Were the judges’ choices spot-on, or are there other films you believe deserved recognition? Which of these films are you most eager to see, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let’s get a discussion going!