Officials, guests and other participants during the launch event at HIA yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Doha Film Institute (DFI), in collaboration with Hamad International Airport (HIA), has officially inaugurated ‘The Screening Room’, a unique cultural initiative celebrating Made in Qatar films and the talented filmmakers behind them, offering millions of international travellers an opportunity to discover the country’s rich storytelling traditions and growing cinematic creativity.
The initiative, which opened yesterday and will run until December 27 in Concourse D, transforms part of the airport into a welcoming cinematic space where passengers can experience authentic Qatari stories through the perspectives of local filmmakers.
The official opening ceremony was attended by DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, DFI Deputy CEO Abdulla Jassim Al-Mosallam, HIA Vice President of Terminal and Midfield Operations Ali Darwish, filmmakers, media representatives and other guests.
In a statement, Alremaihi said, “Every country has voices that deserve to be heard, and cinema amplifies these voices far beyond the places where they begin. This partnership with Hamad International Airport is particularly meaningful as we are bringing Qatar’s stories into a space where the world connects not only in travel but to explore artistic masterpieces for memorable immersive experiences. We look forward to welcoming travellers from every corner of the world to discover the people, perspectives and creative spirit that shape our nation through these films.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Al-Mosallam highlighted the significance of the partnership in taking Qatar’s cinematic stories beyond traditional screening venues and introducing them to a diverse international audience.
“Cinema has the power to tell a country’s stories far beyond its borders,” he said, emphasising its ability to communicate the experiences, inspirations and perspectives that shape a nation’s identity.
Al-Mosallam noted that DFI has spent the past 16 years championing emerging and established filmmaking talents from Qatar and the wider region, providing platforms for their stories to reach audiences worldwide.
He described the screening room as another important step in the Institute’s commitment to promoting local cinema and expanding opportunities for Qatari filmmakers to connect with international audiences.
“Today, we are bringing our stories to an international audience in a truly unique setting,” he said.
Highlighting the airport’s growing reputation as a cultural destination, Al-Mosallam said Hamad International Airport represents much more than a transit hub.
“It is a destination in its own right, where world-class art, cultural experience, and exceptional hospitality come together to welcome passengers from all over and every corner of the world,” he said.
He added that the screening room would allow passengers to pause during their journeys, discover Qatar’s creativity and experience the country’s identity through the eyes of its filmmakers.
“We are proud to bring Qatar’s stories to the world, and grateful to Hamad International Airport to help us make this possible,” Al-Mosallam said.
Darwish said the initiative reflects the airport’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences for passengers while strengthening its longstanding collaboration with DFI.
He noted that Hamad International Airport is also serving as an official airport partner for this year’s Doha Film Festival, further reinforcing the relationship between Qatar’s aviation and creative sectors.
“This celebration bridges Doha Film Institute’s commitment to the local filmmaker and our role as Qatar’s international gateway,” Darwish said.
