Qatar's Stories Take Flight as HIA and Doha Film Institute Launch ‘Made in Qatar’ Screening Room
Doha, Qatar — 11 November 2026: Hamad International Airport (HIA), in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), has launched the ‘Made in Qatar’ Screening Room at Concourse D, offering international travellers an opportunity to discover Qatar’s culture, heritage and creative talent through locally produced short films.
Open from 8 November to 27 December 2026, the screening experience features a curated selection of films by Qatari directors and filmmakers who have made Qatar their home.
Designed for departing and transiting passengers, the initiative transforms part of the airport into a cultural space where travellers can explore stories reflecting life, identity, traditions and contemporary perspectives in Qatar.
Bringing Qatari Cinema to a Global Audience
As one of the world’s international aviation hubs, Hamad International Airport welcomes passengers from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
For some travellers, the airport may be their first introduction to Qatar. For others passing through on connecting flights, it may be their only opportunity to experience the country’s culture.
The Made in Qatar Screening Room aims to create that connection through storytelling, introducing passengers to the people and experiences that shape Qatar’s creative identity.
The initiative also provides local filmmakers with an opportunity to reach an international audience beyond traditional cinemas and film festivals.
A Collaboration Between HIA and Doha Film Institute
The Screening Room forms part of an ongoing collaboration between Hamad International Airport and Doha Film Institute, the cultural organisation behind the Doha Film Festival.
HIA serves as the festival’s official Airport Partner, supporting efforts to connect Qatar’s creative community with international audiences.
By combining DFI’s commitment to developing local filmmaking talent with the airport’s global reach, the partnership introduces Qatari cinema to travellers from around the world.
Award-Recognised Short Films Featured
The Screening Room presents a selection of ten short films exploring themes of family, identity, heritage, imagination and everyday life.
Among the featured productions are:
Smicha, directed by Amal Al-Muftah, winner of the Best Narrative Award in the Made in Qatar competition.
Gubgub, directed by Nouf Al Sulaiti, whose lead performer received the Abdulaziz Jassim Award for Best Performance.
A Simple Cut, directed by Maha Al-Jefairi.
Above The Tamarind Tree, directed by Buthyna Al-Mohammadi.
Hope, directed by Abdulla Al-Janahi.
Nasser & The Ticket, directed by Tony El Ghazal.
Emsahar, directed by Hassan Al-Jahni.
The Unlucky Hamster, directed by Abdulaziz Khashabi.
Aljohara, directed by Nora Al-Subai.
Land Of Pearls, directed by Mohammed Al Ibrahim.
Together, the films offer passengers different perspectives on Qatar, showcasing both its cultural traditions and the creativity of its contemporary filmmaking community.
A Welcoming Space for Travellers
Located in Concourse D, the Screening Room is designed as a walk-in experience where travellers can discover the programme at their own pace.
Rather than following a conventional cinema schedule, the concept allows passengers to engage with the short films during their time at the airport, creating an opportunity for cultural discovery as part of their journey.
The space offers an alternative way to experience Qatar’s artistic identity, particularly for international transit passengers who may not have the opportunity to explore Doha.
Doha Film Institute Highlights the Power of Storytelling
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Operating Officer of Doha Film Institute, emphasised the importance of giving local creative voices an international platform.
She highlighted how cinema can carry stories beyond their places of origin, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect through artistic expression.
Alremaihi also described the airport partnership as particularly meaningful because it introduces Qatar’s creative community to audiences traveling from every corner of the world.
Celebrating Qatar’s Creative Identity
Through the Made in Qatar Screening Room, Hamad International Airport and Doha Film Institute aim to extend the reach of locally rooted cinema while enriching the passenger experience.
The initiative reflects the role that cultural experiences can play in connecting travellers with a destination, even during a short airport visit.
By bringing films about Qatar’s people, traditions and everyday life into the international travel experience, the Screening Room offers passengers an opportunity to discover the country through the perspectives of its filmmakers.
Experience Details
Experience: Made in Qatar Screening Room
Dates: 8 November – 27 December 2026
Location: Concourse D, Hamad International Airport, Doha
Presented by: Hamad International Airport and Doha Film Institute
Featured content: Ten short films by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers
Audience: Departing and transiting passengers
Format: Walk-in screening experience
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