The inaugural Doha Film Festival opens on Thursday with the Middle East premiere of Kaouther Ben Hania’s politically charged drama The Voice of Hind Rajab, signaling Qatar’s bold push to elevate its standing in global cinema. The lineup features a wave of regional premieres, including Steven Soderbergh’s black comedy The Christophers, which will be presented with the director and star Michaela Coel in attendance. This festival launch highlights Qatar’s ambitions to transform Doha into a regional hub for film, culture, and creative storytelling, inviting local audiences to engage with provocative, internationally acclaimed cinema. As Doha strengthens its status on the international film circuit, industry leaders and cinephiles alike will be watching the festival’s impact on Qatar’s evolving cinematic landscape and its role in promoting Middle East storytelling to a global audience.