Doha Film Institute Unveils Projects for Online Qumra Event Amid Iran War

49 projects from 39 countries set to be showcased at the annual Arab film industry incubator, which has moved online due to regional conflict.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 10:03am

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The Doha Film Institute has unveiled the 49 projects from 39 countries that will be featured at its Qumra event, which has been moved online due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war. The lineup includes dramas, documentaries and other films in the picture-lock phase that are likely to soon appear on the festival circuit, such as 'Pipes,' 'Fuxi: Joy In Four Chapters,' 'Radiesthesia,' and 'House of the Wind.' Qumra typically blends a creative workshop, co-production market and festival elements, and its 2025 edition featured several standout titles.

Why it matters

Qumra is a key event for the Arab film industry, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. The decision to move the event online due to regional conflict highlights the challenges faced by the film community in the Middle East, but also the resilience and commitment to continuity shown by the Doha Film Institute.

The details

The Qumra event, which typically takes place in Doha, has been moved online this year due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war. The lineup includes 49 projects from 39 countries that are in the picture-lock phase and likely to soon appear on the festival circuit. These include dramas like 'Pipes,' 'Fuxi: Joy In Four Chapters,' 'Radiesthesia,' and 'House of the Wind,' as well as completed documentaries such as 'Revolutionaries Never Die,' 'Bardi,' and 'When The News Breaks You.' Qumra blends a creative workshop, co-production market and festival elements, and its 2025 edition featured several standout titles, including the Cannes Caméra d'Or winner 'The President's Cake.'

  • Qumra 2026 was originally scheduled to run from March 27 to April 1, 2026.
  • The event has been moved online due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war.

The players

Doha Film Institute

The Doha Film Institute is the organizer of the Qumra event, an annual Arab film industry incubator.

Qumra

Qumra is an annual event organized by the Doha Film Institute that blends a creative workshop, co-production market and festival elements for the Arab film industry.

Elia Suleiman

Palestinian auteur who serves as the artistic advisor for the Doha Film Institute's Qumra event.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi

CEO of the Doha Film Institute.

Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, Alice Diop, Faouzi Bensaïdi, Gustavo Santaolalla

Industry professionals who were expected to give masterclasses and mentor filmmakers at the original in-person Qumra 2026 event.

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What they’re saying

“While we are deeply saddened by the current circumstances in the region, the decision to present Qumra 2026 online reflects Qatar's resilience and its enduring commitment to continuity, even in the face of significant challenges.”

— Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO, Doha Film Institute

“This year's selection highlights the courage and ambition of today's filmmakers and the urgency of the stories they are compelled to tell. We are proud to see our nation strongly represented alongside powerful perspectives from across the world.”

— Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO, Doha Film Institute

What’s next

The Qumra 2026 event will take place online from March 27 to April 8, 2026, showcasing the 49 projects from 39 countries to industry and festival executives.

The takeaway

Despite the challenges posed by regional conflict, the Doha Film Institute is demonstrating resilience and a commitment to supporting Arab filmmakers by moving the Qumra event online. This highlights the importance of the event as a platform for emerging voices and diverse perspectives in the film industry.