The Doha Film Festival in Qatar recently concluded its inaugural edition, crowning Guillermo Galoe's 'Sleepless City' as the Best Film in the International Feature Film Competition. The film, which had its world premiere at Cannes' Critics' Week, explores the emotional turmoil of a 15-year-old boy, Tonino, as his best friend prepares to leave, challenging his understanding of home, friendship, and the gypsy legends that shaped his childhood. The film's success adds to Galoe's growing reputation as a filmmaker to watch.
In the same festival, the audience award for a film in the section went to Suzannah Mirghani's 'Cotton Queen,' which premiered at Venice Critics' Week and won best film at Thessaloniki Film Festival. It follows a teenage girl, Nafisa, who becomes the center of a power struggle over genetically modified seeds, blending ecological critique with coming-of-age drama. The documentary category was won by Jihan's 'My Father and Qaddafi,' which world premiered at Venice's Out of Competition section, chronicling a daughter's quest to uncover the truth behind her father's disappearance, a peaceful opposition leader to Qaddafi.
The awards for artistic achievement in the International Feature Film Competition went to 'With Hasan in Gaza' by Kamal Al Jafari and 'Renoir' by Chie Hayakawa. The best performance award was presented to the actors Majd Eid and Nader Abd Alhay for their roles in 'Once Upon a Time in Gaza.'
The Ajyal Competition, judged by a youth jury, recognized 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' by Kaouther Ben Hania as the best feature film. The International Short Film Competition saw 'Samba Infinito' by Leonardo Martinelli take the best film award, while 'Primary Education' by Aria Sánchez and Marina Meira won the best director award. 'L’mina' by Randa Maaroufi received a special mention, and Milica Janevski from 'Upon Sunrise' won the performance award, with a special mention for performance going to Ammar Ahmed from 'Zizou.'
The Made in Qatar section celebrated local talent, with 'Fahad the Furious' by Justin Kramer winning the best film award, Eiman Mirghani's 'Villa 187' taking the best director prize, and Rashid Al Sheeb in 'Fahad and the Furious' receiving the Abdulaziz Jassim Award for performance. 'Project Aisha' by Fahad Al Nahdi was also recognized with a special mention.
