Doha:Hamad International Airport (HIA), in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), has launched the 'Made in Qatar' Screening Room in Concourse D. This initiative, available from 8 November to 27 December 2026, showcases a selection of short films by Qatari directors and filmmakers residing in Qatar, offering departing and transiting passengers a glimpse into the country's culture, traditions, and modern viewpoints.
According to Marhaba, this Screening Room is part of HIA's partnership with DFI, which is recognized as Qatar's leading cultural organization and the presenter of the Doha Film Festival. HIA serves as the official 'Airport Partner' for the festival. This collaboration aims to merge DFI's support for local cinema with HIA's international reach, providing a global platform for Qatar-based filmmakers.
For many international passengers, HIA is their first introduction to Qatar, and for those simply transiting, it might be their only experience of the country. As a global gateway, the airport plays a significant role in showcasing Qatar's identity, heritage, and creativity to the world. The Screening Room offers travellers a personal connection with the nation through film, enhancing their understanding of Qatar's creative community. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Operating Officer of the Doha Film Institute, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that cinema has the power to amplify voices beyond their origins, and this collaboration brings Qatar's stories to a global audience.
The Screening Room provides a welcoming space where travellers can explore the film programme at their leisure. The selection includes award-winning works like "Smicha" by Amal Al-Muftah and "Gubgub" by Nouf Al Sulaiti, among other notable films. The curated films explore diverse themes such as family, identity, tradition, and everyday life in Qatar.
By integrating these filmmakers and their stories into the passenger experience, the 'Made in Qatar' Screening Room connects international audiences with Qatar's creative voices and extends the reach of locally rooted cinema beyond the country's borders.