The Doha Film Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from November 19 to 27, 2026, will open with the film "Al-Mahatta", marking its premiere in the Middle East and North Africa. The film is the feature-length debut of Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sarah Ishaq. It tells a human story of resilience, brotherhood, and solidarity set in a gas station in war-torn Yemen.
The film "Al-Mahatta" revolves around a gas station reserved for women, serving as a rare haven where they can refuel, exchange conversations, and catch their breath away from their harsh reality. When the protagonist's younger brother faces the risk of recruitment, she is forced to reconnect with her estranged sister in a bid to save him. The film features a cast including Manal Al-Milki, Abeer Mohamed, Rashad Khaled, Saleh Al-Marshahi, Fariha Hassan, Randa Mohamed, Fatima Muthna, Amal Ismail, and Shrouk Mohamed.
"Al-Mahatta" received support from the Doha Film Institute's Grants Program and won five awards in the Final Cut category at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, including the prestigious "Biennale Venezia" award for Best Film in Post-Production. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026 as part of the Critics' Week competition.
Fatima Hassan Al-Rumaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute and director of the Doha Film Festival, stated that "Al-Mahatta" embodies the spirit of cinema that the institute believes in. She added that the film's story, though rarely told, transcends borders and reminds audiences of their shared humanity. Sarah Ishaq, director of "Al-Mahatta", expressed her pride in presenting a film that portrays the complexities and contradictions of human nature.
Nadia Aliwat, producer of "Al-Mahatta", highlighted the significance of the film's screening at the Doha Film Festival, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and supporting local narratives. The film's selection as the opening title reaffirms the Doha Film Festival's commitment to nurturing emerging talent from the region and showcasing their stories to a global audience.
Sarah Ishaq has a background in documentary filmmaking, with her debut short film "No Cigar for Dignity" (2012) nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA for emerging talent. Her subsequent documentary "House of Mulberries" (2013) premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. Ishaq has also led film training programs in Yemen since 2015, aiming to foster emerging Yemeni talent amidst the ongoing conflict.
The Doha Film Festival 2026, with "Al-Mahatta" as its opening film, promises to bring together filmmakers, audiences, and cinematic voices from the region and worldwide. The festival will celebrate authentic storytelling and important voices in cinema, further solidifying its position as a premier platform for Middle Eastern and North African cinema.
Key points
- The film "Al-Mahatta" will have its premiere in the Middle East and North Africa at the Doha Film Festival 2026.
- The film tells a story of resilience and solidarity set in a gas station in war-torn Yemen.
- The Doha Film Festival 2026 will take place from November 19 to 27, 2026.
