The inaugural edition of the Doha Film Festival concluded with a vibrant awards ceremony at the Katara Drama Theatre on March 15, 2023. The event celebrated a diverse array of films, highlighting emerging talents and their impactful stories. Among the notable winners was Mirghani, whose debut feature captured the Audience Award, earning enthusiastic applause from attendees.
During the ceremony, Mirghani expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the strong support from the Sudanese community. “The Sudanese people really show up – as do the people of Doha,” she remarked, gesturing to her film’s team on stage. Her film, which debuted in the Critics’ Week at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, is set in a Sudanese cotton-farming village. It explores the disruption of a woman’s simple life and her community following the arrival of a young businessman.
In a fiercely competitive landscape, Guillermo Galoe’s co-production between Spain and France won the Best Narrative Award from the International Feature Competition. This film, which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week, follows a 15-year-old boy navigating the tension between tradition and survival as his family faces eviction from their home. Galoe used his acceptance speech to express solidarity with those affected by recent conflicts, saying, “I especially want to send up prayers and share this moment with Palestinian brothers and sisters, who are living in a genocide.”
The ceremony also featured Jihan K, who received the Best Documentary Award for her poignant film investigating her father’s disappearance in Cairo in 1993. In her emotional speech, she invited her mother to join her on stage, stating, “I accept this award on behalf of my family – my mother, and my father, who loved and fought for his country.”
Other accolades included Kaouther Ben Hania’s docudrama, which was recognized as the Best Feature by the Ajyal youth jury, comprised of members aged 16-25 from around the globe. Cast member Saja Kilani accepted the award on behalf of the film.
The atmosphere during the ceremony was lively, with co-host Nasser Al-Rayes sharing humorous anecdotes about his childhood experiences with cinema, and Rithy Panh, the international jury president, playfully noting that he has been mistaken for notable figures like Ai Weiwei and Jackie Chan.
In her closing remarks, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute and Director of the festival, emphasized the importance of creativity and inclusivity in the arts. “This festival is a promise that creativity will always have a space, that diverse voices will always be heard, and that Qatar will continue to open its doors to artists shaping a connected and compassionate world,” she stated.
The festival showcased 97 films from 62 countries and included panels, discussions, and a series of musical events featuring artists such as Yasiin Bey and Palestinian stars Saint Levant, Zeyne, and Elyanna. Additionally, significant strides were made in the Qatari film industry, including a cash rebate of up to 50% for local productions and partnerships with US production companies established during the Industry Days.
The winners of the Doha Film Festival 2023 include:
– **International Feature Film Competition**
– Best Narrative: (Spain-France) directed by Guillermo Galoe
– Best Documentary: (US-Libya) directed by Jihan K
– Best Artistic Achievement: (Japan) Chie Hayakawa and (Palestine) Kamal Al Jafari, ex aequo
– Best Performance: Majd Eid and Nader Abd Alhay
– Special Mention: (Mexico) directed by Pablo Perez Lombardini
– **Ajyal Film Competition**
– Best Feature: (Tunisia-France-UK)
– Audience Award: (Germany-France-Palestine-Egypt-Qatar-Saudi Arabia)
The festival’s success marks a significant milestone for the cultural landscape in Qatar, setting a promising precedent for future editions.
