Venice, Italy — Against the cinematic backdrop of the Venice skyline, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), was honoured with Variety’s 2025 Achievement in International Film Award during a celebratory rooftop event at The Gritti Palace. The recognition marks a significant milestone in Alremaihi’s 15-year journey leading one of the Middle East and North Africa’s most influential cultural institutions and underscores her pivotal role in amplifying Arab voices on the global stage.
“I want to thank Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa, whose unwavering belief in the power of creativity and cultural exchange has shaped every step of our journey,” said Alremaihi as she accepted the award. “This award reflects a collective mission that has guided us for the past 15 years: to amplify Arab voices, to nurture creative talent, and to share untold stories with the world. It’s not just about what we have achieved — it’s about what we aspire to.”
Alremaihi emphasised that the institute’s work has always been about more than cinema — it’s about building bridges and countering stereotypes. “At a time when division and misunderstanding too often dominate the narrative, voices from our region are more vital than ever,” she said. “This award is a powerful reminder that our mission matters and strengthens our resolve to keep empowering important voices.”
Since its founding, the Doha Film Institute has become a driving force in developing and funding cinematic talent across the MENA region. Under Alremaihi’s leadership, it has nurtured hundreds of filmmakers and stories that challenge perspectives and expand cultural dialogue. This year, the institute celebrates a record 12 supported films premiering at the Venice Film Festival, demonstrating its growing global influence.
Among these premieres is Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s powerful competition title The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the harrowing story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed after being stranded in a car attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024. Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera described the film as “deeply moving” and one that he believes will “leave a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.”
The award ceremony was attended by key industry figures, including Hana Issa, DFI’s director of film funding and programs, Shivani Pandya of the Red Sea Festival, Teresa Cavina, co-founder of the Rome Film Festival, Johann Grech, Malta Film Commissioner, Tiziana Rocca, director of the Taormina Film Festival, and Rodolphe Ratzel, managing director of Cartier South-East Europe.
As the DFI looks ahead, Alremaihi’s vision remains focused on the future — one where the global film landscape continues to diversify and where Arab cinema is recognised not just for its artistic merit but for its power to connect, challenge, and inspire. This recognition from Variety is not merely a celebration of past achievements but a bold endorsement of a mission still unfolding: to ensure the stories of the Arab world resonate far beyond its borders.
