Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Film Committee at Media City Qatar was officially launched at the Doha Film Festival 2025, marking a significant advancement in Qatar’s ambition to establish itself as a global center for film, television, and creative arts. Formed with the collaboration of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), this initiative introduced three Industry Days aimed at uniting key figures in cinema, media, and technology.
Notable attendees included HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, alongside HE Lolwah Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, and HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. The event was inaugurated by DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, with HE Hassan Al Thawadi leading the opening of the Industry Days at the Rosewood Hotel in Doha.
During the three-day event, participants delved into emerging filmmaking trends, innovative storytelling techniques, and the expanding prospects available within Qatar’s film and entertainment landscape. This initiative prioritizes fostering regional talent while amplifying the voices from the Global South, paving the way for meaningful collaborations that elevate Arab cinema on a global scale.
The Film Committee is set to announce a variety of international co-productions and financing strategies, positioning Qatar as an essential co-investment hub for global entertainment endeavors. The program also revealed the Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI), aimed at promoting local and regional film and TV content production.
The QSPI provides up to a 50 percent cash rebate on qualified Qatari production costs, which includes a base rebate of 40 percent plus an additional 10 percent for works that hire Qatari talent, offer local training, celebrate Qatari culture, or support industry growth. Furthermore, production teams are permitted to film in nearby Arab nations, maintaining eligibility for rebates as long as 25 percent of qualifying costs are incurred there. Additional specifics regarding the QSPI will be announced shortly.
HE Hassan Al Thawadi emphasized the significance of this launch, stating: “The Film Committee marks a new era for Qatar’s creative economy, merging culture, innovation, and international collaboration. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and programs designed for support, Doha is prepared to become a key player in storytelling that bridges East and West.”
This launch underscores Qatar’s dedication to advancing its cultural and creative sectors by connecting Arab filmmakers to global audiences, reinforcing a sustainable creative economy. It highlights the necessity of integrating institutional support, education, and industry investment to empower the next generation of filmmakers.
By establishing the Film Committee alongside the QSPI initiative, Qatar aims to attract more international productions, showcasing its unique locales, talent, and expertise. These initiatives are set to bolster growth within the media and entertainment sectors and establish Qatar as a competitive global site for screen content production.
The partnership between the Film Committee and DFI illustrates Qatar’s comprehensive approach to fostering a creative economy. Through festivals, industry gatherings, and incentive schemes, Qatar is building a platform where filmmakers and storytellers can innovate and connect with audiences worldwide.
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