This year's selection features two films in the Competition section, three in Panorama, one in Encounters, and one in the Generation section.
Seven films supported by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) have been selected to feature prominently across key programming sections of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), including the official competition.
This showcase underscores the DFI’s unwavering commitment to fostering diverse voices in cinema, both from the Arab world and beyond.
Notable among the selections are two films slated for the Competition section, the centrepiece of the Berlinale presenting only 20 exclusive titles worldwide. Who Do I Belong To“(Tunisia, Canada, France, Qatar) by Meryam Joobeur delves into the transformative journey of a Tunisian mother with prophetic dreams, while Shambhala(Nepal, France, Norway, Hong Kong, Turkey, Taiwan, USA, Qatar) by Min Bahadur Bham navigates the intricate bonds of brotherhood set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
In the Panorama section, three films stand out: Brief History of a Family (China, Denmark, France, Qatar) by Jianjie Lin, Diaries from Lebanon (Lebanon, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Myriam El Hajj, and Rising Up at Night (Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar) by Nelson Makengo. Each film offers a unique perspective on human experiences and societal challenges.
Furthermore, the Encounters section will feature Demba (Senegal, Germany, Qatar) by Mamadou Dia, exploring the poignant journey of a retiring civil servant in Senegal. Meanwhile, the Generation segment will showcase Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story (Madagascar, France, Mauritius, Germany, South Africa, Qatar) by Luck Razanajaona, shedding light on the struggles of a young man in Madagascar’s sapphire mines.
Speaking about the selected films, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the selection of DFI-supported films at the Berlinale this year, which celebrates independent and art house productions, and often sets new benchmarks that define contemporary cinema. The diversity of the selection underlines our mandate to support important voices, especially emerging talents from the region and the world. All seven films stand out for the power of their content and innovation in the filmmakers’ cinematic techniques that will inspire audiences with their riveting narratives of humanity. Through our various initiatives, we continue to support compelling voices and powerful stories that have the potential to shape world cinema.”
