In its inaugural edition, the Doha Film Festival marks a major expansion of the Doha Film Institute’s role in developing homegrown talent. For 15 years, the institute has built Qatar’s cinema landscape through grants, labs, and year-round training initiatives, including Qumra, Ajyal, and earlier festival-style showcases. This year’s Made in Qatar competition channels that ongoing pipeline, spotlighting rising local filmmakers and strengthening Qatar’s position as a hub for creative storytelling. The Made in Qatar slate spotlights fresh voices from Qatar’s filmmaking community, offering opportunities for directors, screenwriters, and producers to present work to local and international audiences, connect with mentors, and access a network of industry professionals. By linking grants, mentorship, and festival exposure, the program continues to fuel talent development beyond the festival itself. Through sustained investment in grants, labs, and education, the Doha Film Institute nurtures homegrown talent and accelerates Qatar’s film industry onto the regional and international stage. The Made in Qatar slate signals renewed momentum and real optimism for the future of cinema in Qatar.