Doha Film Festival Unveils Competition Lineup, With Emphasis on Gaza and Regional Fare

VarietyWednesday, October 15, 2025 at 9:08:21 AM
Doha Film Festival Unveils Competition Lineup, With Emphasis on Gaza and Regional Fare
The Doha Film Festival is set to make waves with its competition lineup, focusing on regional stories and highlighting the Palestinian plight. This year's event will feature the Middle East premiere of Kaouther Ben Hania's powerful drama 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' as its out-of-competition opener. This emphasis on local narratives not only showcases the rich cinematic talent in the region but also brings important social issues to the forefront, making the festival a significant cultural event.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
Tom Shoval Talks Plans To Give Hostage Doc ‘A Letter To David’ New Ending Following Release Of Friend David Cunio From Gaza
PositiveEntertainment
Israeli director Tom Shoval is feeling a wave of relief and joy after the release of his friend David Cunio, one of the 20 Israeli hostages freed from Gaza. This emotional moment has inspired Shoval to rethink the ending of his documentary 'A Letter To David,' reflecting the hope and resilience that comes with Cunio's return. This story matters not just for Shoval and Cunio, but for many who have been affected by the ongoing conflict, highlighting the personal connections that endure even in the toughest times.
Donald Trump Complains About His “Super Bad” Time Magazine Photo Despite Cover Story Marking His Gaza “Triumph”
NeutralEntertainment
Donald Trump recently returned to the U.S. after a trip to the Middle East, where he celebrated a ceasefire in Gaza that he described as a 'triumph.' However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the cover photo of Time magazine that accompanied the story, calling it 'super bad.' This highlights the ongoing tension between Trump's public image and media portrayal, which is significant as it reflects how leaders engage with media narratives.
Donald Trump Complains ‘Really Weird’ Time Magazine Cover ‘Disappeared My Hair’: ‘The Picture May Be the Worst of All Time’
NeutralEntertainment
President Donald Trump is in the spotlight for his role in brokering the Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement, receiving praise for his diplomatic efforts. However, he took to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction with the cover photo chosen by Time magazine, claiming it made his hair look 'weird.' This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny public figures face regarding their image, even amidst significant political achievements.
Doha Film Festival Unveils International Competition Lineup For Inaugural Edition
PositiveEntertainment
The Doha Film Festival is set to make its debut this November with an exciting lineup for its International Feature Film Competition. Spearheaded by the Doha Film Institute, this inaugural event will showcase 13 films from around the globe, each tackling contemporary issues like the ecological crisis. With over $300,000 in awards up for grabs, this festival not only highlights the rich tapestry of world cinema but also positions Qatar as a burgeoning hub for film enthusiasts and creators alike.
Natalie Portman Talks Gaza Peace Plan & Hostage Release: “I Am Born In Jerusalem. Today Is A Very, Very Emotional Day” – Lumière Festival
PositiveEntertainment
Natalie Portman, the US-Israeli actress, expressed her deep emotions regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East during a conversation at the Lumière Festival in Lyon. Born in Jerusalem, she highlighted the significance of the day, reflecting on the importance of peace and the release of hostages. Her remarks resonate with many, as they emphasize the human aspect of the conflict and the hope for resolution, making her words particularly impactful in these challenging times.
Gaza Ceasefire: Trump Celebrates A Holy Land “Finally At Peace” As Israeli Hostages Are Released And Jailed Palestinians Freed — Update
PositiveEntertainment
In a significant turn of events, President Donald Trump is celebrating a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a hopeful moment for peace in the region. After years of conflict, families are joyfully reuniting with the release of hostages, while jailed Palestinians are also being freed. This development not only brings relief to those affected but also signals a potential shift towards stability in the Middle East, making it a crucial moment for international relations.
Actor David Cunio, ‘A Letter to David’ Documentary Subject, Among Hostages Released in Gaza Ceasefire
PositiveEntertainment
David Cunio, an Israeli actor known for his role in the film 'Youth', has been released as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. He was kidnapped along with his family during the Hamas attacks in 2023. This release is significant as it highlights the ongoing conflict and the human stories behind it, bringing hope to many families affected by the violence.
Latest from Entertainment
‘Extraction’ Netflix TV Series Adds 11 to Cast
PositiveEntertainment
Netflix is expanding the cast of its upcoming series 'Extraction' by adding 11 new members, including notable actors like Sacha Dhawan and Ross McCall. This move not only enhances the show's appeal but also builds anticipation among fans who are eager to see how these new talents will contribute to the storyline. With Omar Sy leading the cast, the series promises to deliver exciting performances and engaging narratives, making it a highly anticipated release.
‘Percy Jackson’ Season 3 Casts Kate McKinnon as Aphrodite (EXCLUSIVE)
PositiveEntertainment
Kate McKinnon has been cast as Aphrodite in Season 3 of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians,' bringing her comedic talent to the role of the Greek goddess of love and beauty. This addition is exciting for fans, as McKinnon's unique style promises to add a fresh dynamic to the series. Her character's ability to change appearance based on perception adds depth to the storyline, and viewers are eager to see how this will unfold alongside Percy Jackson, played by Walker Scobell.
Sacha Dhawan, Ross McCall & Pip Torrens Among 11 Rounding Out ‘Extraction’ Cast
PositiveEntertainment
Netflix's new series 'Extraction' is generating excitement as it rounds out its cast with notable talents like Sacha Dhawan, Ross McCall, and Pip Torrens. This diverse lineup promises to bring depth and intrigue to the series, which is already highly anticipated. The inclusion of such experienced actors suggests that 'Extraction' could deliver a compelling narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of thrilling dramas.
Fifth Season And Picturestart Lock Multi-Year Partnership
PositiveEntertainment
Fifth Season has announced an exciting multi-year partnership with Picturestart, led by Erik Feig. This collaboration will enhance Picturestart's capabilities by providing additional shared services in business affairs, finance, and production. It also promises to boost co-productions in film and television, which is significant for both companies as they aim to expand their creative reach and impact in the industry.
Esai Morales Reflects on Resilience and Latino Unity and Pepe Aguilar Celebrates Authenticity in Music at Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Gala
PositiveEntertainment
At the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society gala, actor Esai Morales shared an emotional reflection on his 40-year journey in Hollywood, emphasizing themes of resilience and cultural pride. His heartfelt speech resonated with many, highlighting the importance of Latino unity in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Pepe Aguilar celebrated the authenticity of music, reinforcing the significance of staying true to one's roots. This event not only honors individual achievements but also fosters a sense of community and pride among Latino artists, making it a pivotal moment for representation in Hollywood.
Box Office: ‘Black Phone 2’ Targets Debut Above $20 Million as Sluggish October Continues
NeutralEntertainment
The upcoming release of 'The Black Phone 2' is generating buzz as it aims for a debut between $23 to $29 million, which could help lift Blumhouse's recent box office struggles. Despite previous tracking inaccuracies, the studio is cautiously estimating an opening of around $18 million. This sequel, featuring Ethan Hawke reprising his role as the Grabber, is significant as it reflects the ongoing challenges in the horror genre during a sluggish October, making its performance crucial for future releases.