The Doha Film Festival (Qatar) is accepting short films for the International Short Film and Ajyal Short Film Competitions until August 10; and shorts for the Made in Qatar Competition until September 1, 2025.

About the festival:
The Doha Film Festival (DFF) is the bold next chapter in DFI’s enduring mission to nurture regional talent, foster cultural dialogue and amplify unheard voices. The festival will be a vibrant meeting point for international cinema lovers, a stage for powerful stories—and a launchpad for a new generation of cinematic voices.

Building on Ajyal’s successful foundation while expanding to embrace new opportunities, DFF will provide a platform for important projects that promote understanding and empathy—continuing DFI’s commitment to supporting artistic expression that bridges divides and connects communities. The festival will retain popular elements of Ajyal while broadening its international reach and cultivating new opportunities for promising talents in Qatar and beyond.

Eligibility:
– Submissions are open for short films only.
– The festival accepts shorts from all kinds of genres (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental).
– Films must have been produced after January 1, 2024.
– Films must have a maximum runtime of 20 minutes.
– Shorts should not have been released, publicly exhibited, or broadcast in the State of Qatar prior to the Festival’s 2025 edition.
– International Shorts must have MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Premiere. For the Ajyal Film Competition shorts must have only Middle East Premiere. Made in Qatar films must hold Qatar Premiere.
– The Ajyal Film Competition will explore themes relevant to youth and be curated with the Ajyal Jury—young people aged 16–25—as the intended audience.
– Submissions Fee: FREE
– Submission Deadline:
* International Short Film and Ajyal Short Film Competitions – August 10, 2025
* Made in Qatar Competition – September 1, 2025

We recommend filmmakers to read the full Rules and Regulations here: https://www.dohafilm.com/en/rules-and-regulations

To submit please visit: https://www.dohafilm.com/en/form/dff-film-info/application (You will require to create an account)

We remind readers that the Doha Film Festival will take place from November 20 – 28, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.