Qatar presents its domestic productions at the Doha Film Festival in a "watershed moment".

At the upcoming Doha Film Festival, the world premiere of four feature films from Qatar will be held, which is considered a milestone. This small Arab country, which is rich in oil and gas, is branching out from the energy sector to the media and entertainment sector. The renovated festival, now in its second […]

The revamped festival, now in its second year, originally included a Made in Qatar competition section dedicated only to short films. But these four Qatar features will instead bow individually as special shows. Related stories from '30 Rock' 20th anniversary reunion: Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan try to remember their lines, Alec Baldwin riffs as Jack Dungy and other best moments Linda Duncombe, beloved bank executive and film producer, dies at 55.

They include the inspiring documentary "The First Flight" (pictured above) by Rodrigo Vázquez Salsi, about two young Arab gymnasts who became the first athletes in Qatar's history to compete in the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Qatari-Moroccan co-production A Very Ordinary Life, a drama directed by Mohamed Deniz, about a retired Qatari pilot and a young Moroccan art teacher who unwittingly become father and daughter. The documentary "Judari Menu" by Jamal Al Khanji, a Qatari filmmaker, free diver and spear fisherman, about the director's attempt to land a world record dog tuna. and "When the News Reaches You," a documentary by Qatari filmmaker Hamad Al-Hajri that explores the challenges facing journalists working in Middle East war zones. Popular in Variety

The end of the Qatari selection is a special episode of Alzam, a documentary series produced by Katara Studios that follows a group of falconers on hunting trips and explores the traditions that make Qatar and the wider Arab world proud.

"This is a landmark moment for Qatar's film and creative industries," said Fatima Hassan Al Ramaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, which is also the director of the Doha Film Festival. "The presentation of four feature films and an original series from Qatar at the Doha Film Festival is a powerful reflection of the progress of our creative ecosystem."

"The increasing participation of national institutions shows what can be achieved when creative institutions work together towards a common goal," Al-Ramayhi continued. "We are building a sustainable industry by creating opportunities, developing capabilities and connecting Qatari talent with the world."

The three titles - "Jodari Menu", "A Very Ordinary Life" and "First Flight" - were sponsored by Qatar Media City, the Doha government-backed media center, along with the Doha Film Institute.

Hamad Omar Al-Manai, CEO of the hub, said in a statement: "It is great to see not one, but three films supported by Media City selected to be shown in the special screenings program of the 2026 Doha Film Festival.

As previously announced, the Doha Film Festival includes a competition of 15 titles, mostly from the Middle East. The first screening of films from this region, seven of which are directed by women.

Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sarah Ishaq's timely drama The Station - which examines the impact of Yemen's civil war on the country - is set to open the festival, which runs from November 19 to 27 in the Qatari capital.