The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has moved its Qumra development lab to online-only, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East between US-Israel and Iran.
The programme will keep the same dates of March 27 to April 1 and will focus on private one-on-one mentorship sessions for the selected projects.
“In light of the recent developments in the region, we have made the difficult decision to hold this upcoming edition of Qumra online to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests, projects and team,” said the DFI in a statement.
“While we are deeply saddened by the current circumstances, our unwavering commitment to provide meaningful exchange and mentorship for selected projects through Qumra remains a priority.
“We very much appreciate you, our community of supporters, and hope that you will join us for future editions of Qumra as we continue to provide meaningful support to filmmakers and to foster dialogue and collaboration.”
The in-person event had been in doubt since the conflict in Iran and surrounding nations began on February 28 with a joint US-Israeli military campaign.
Since then, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence has reported more than 150 attacks on the country’s airspace, including 120 ballistic missiles, 45 suicide drones and three cruise missiles, nearly all of which have been intercepted.
Qatari airspace remained completely closed for the initial days of the war. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority reopened airspace on limited emergency conditions from March 7, allowing for passenger evacuation and cargo flights.
Qumra takes place in Doha’s central area, at the Museum of Islamic Art on the bay and in the nearby Msheireb district that was rebuilt for the 2022 football men’s World Cup.
The event hosts around 50 DFI-supported film and TV projects to meet with around 200 industry professionals, offering advice on projects at different stages of development and production.
Attendees also hear masterclasses from leading international figures. Mexican actor-filmmakers Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, French filmmaker Alice Diop, Moroccan filmmaker Faouzi Bensaidi and Argentinian composer Gustavo Santaolalla had been scheduled to give the masterclasses this year.
Projects at the 2025 edition included Hasan Hadi’s The President’s Cake, which went on to win the Cannes Camera d’Or for best first feature, and Suzannah Mirghani’s Venice 2025 selection Cotton Queen.
First launched in 2015, Qumra was previously cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was held online-only in 2021 and 2022, before returning in-person in 2023.
The DFI also runs the Doha Film Festival, which held its first edition last year from November 20-28.
“Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment as a valued member of the Qumra community,” the DFI statement added. “We remain deeply grateful for your support and wish for your safety and well-being.”
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