Past, Present and Future of DFI | Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi

We explore the history, mission, and future of Arab cinema in Qatar and the wider region in the first episode of the Doha Film Institute Podcast, powered by afikra. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, joins us to discuss the institute’s evolution from the Doha Tribeca Film Festival to a year-round platform supporting filmmakers through grants, mentorship, workshops, and networking events like Qumra. She reflects on DFI’s role in supporting storytellers, fostering a collaborative internal culture, and creating spaces for underrepresented perspectives. The conversation also delves into the resilience of the Arab film industry in the face of regional and global challenges, the strategic choices behind festival programing, and the institute’s long-term vision for a self-sustaining film ecosystem.

 

00:00 Introduction

02:37 A Childhood Defined by VHS and Subtitles

04:46 From English Literature to an Unexpected Career

07:09 Doha to New York

11:02 Challenging Global Misconceptions

14:14 Voices of the Underrepresented

16:49 Building a Year-Round Film Ecosystem

20:11 The Future of Arab Cinema on the Global Stage

23:20 A Growing Network of Support

27:52 Redefining Success Beyond the Oscars

31:50 Making Doha a Film Hub for the Global South

36:04 Mentorship and the DFI Family

41:21 Resilience Through Crisis

44:05 Recommended Watching

46:21 Film as a Serious Career Path

51:09 Closing Thoughts

 

Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi is a Qatari cultural leader and film executive serving as CEO of the Doha Film Institute, known for developing Qatar’s film industry and supporting emerging filmmakers regionally and internationally through initiatives such as the Ajyal Youth Film Festival and Qumra. She has shaped the Institute’s strategic direction, expanded its regional and international presence, and helped elevate Arab cinema on the global stage. Al Remaihi joined the Institute at its inception in 2009 as Cultural Advisor to the first edition of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. She later served as Director of Programmes and Acting CEO in 2014, overseeing film funding, training, and international partnerships, leading community outreach and talent development, establishing collaborations including a partnership with the Giffoni Film Festival, and earning recognition such as inclusion in Variety’s 500 most influential entertainment leaders and honors like the Order of Arts and Letters.

 

Connect with Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi 👉 https://qa.linkedin.com/in/fatma-alremaihi-268b0121

 

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Hosted by:

Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

 

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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK

Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl6boT4njw9GEJNzC3f0bbDQ

 

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