The Doha Film Institute has joined forces with France’s esteemed film school, La Fémis, and Gobelins Paris, the leading animation institution, to establish a new training initiative. This collaboration, prominently featuring the keyword “Doha Film Institute,” aims to nurture the next generation of creative talents in the Arab world. Launched during the Doha Film Festival on November 26, the program symbolizes one of the Institute’s most significant educational endeavors, poised to propel regional creativity to new heights.
Expanding Creative Boundaries
The partnership, supported by the Institut Français du Qatar and Qatar Museums, aligns with the Doha Film Institute’s commitment to providing industry-relevant training as demand for skilled professionals rises, notably in the Gulf region. This initiative coincides with Qatar’s strategic efforts to grow as a creative hub by investing in production capabilities and infrastructure.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, emphasized the importance of practical education: “Vocational training represents the future of learning. In a fast-changing world, we must empower young people with education that is practical, adaptable, and connected to real opportunities. Our partnerships with La Fémis and Gobelins Paris add to our year-round workshops and mentoring sessions that have helped build a thriving creative ecosystem in Qatar and the wider region.”
Innovative Training Programs
Set to launch in June 2026, the La Fémis Cinematography Certificate Program will offer a comprehensive four-month course combining theory, practical exercises, and blended online and in-person learning. This program is crafted to equip emerging cinematographers with the necessary skills to thrive in global productions.
Gobelins will introduce a nine-month Animation Certificate Program starting September 2026, encompassing modules in animation fundamentals, character performance, and visual storytelling. This program offers a mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, and ongoing online support. Graduates will earn a Gobelins Certificate of Achievement, complementing Doha Film Institute’s previous ToonBoom certification, enhancing the training pipeline for regional animators.
Fostering Creative Growth
The Doha Film Institute’s strategy emphasizes developing local talent through global partnerships, a model integrated into its labs, fellowships, and festival initiatives over the past 15 years. These new vocational tracks highlight mentorship and real-world experience, showcasing an enduring commitment to building sustainable creative industries rather than focusing on short-term workshops.
By embedding internationally recognized institutions into Qatar’s training framework, the Doha Film Institute aims to provide a comprehensive educational journey from basic courses to advanced professional training, allowing young creatives to flourish without leaving the region.
Alremaihi stated, “Our focus is on placing skills, creativity, and hands-on experience at the heart of how we prepare the next generation of storytellers. These programs are pathways into the industry, bridges to global networks, and catalysts for creativity across our region.”
