Naomi Kawase to Head Doha Film Festival Competition Jury

Naomi Kawase, the Japanese director known for her Cannes successes, will chair the main competition jury of the Doha Film Festival, scheduled for 19‑27 November in Qatar’s capital. Kawase, based in Nara, first won Cannes’ Caméra d’Or for her debut “Moe no Suzaku” in 1997 and later earned awards for “Mogari no Mori” (2007) and “Hikari” (2017). She also took the FIPRESCI prize at Locarno for “Hotaru” in 2000 and her latest film “Yakushima’s Illusion” entered the Locarno competition in 2025. Her long‑standing ties with the Doha Film Institute include participation in its Qumra mentorship program in 2016 and a previous seat on the 2013 Cannes competition jury.

Jury

Joining Kawase on the five‑member panel are French‑Tunisian actor Adam Bessa (“Ghost Trail”), Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, Italian documentary maker Gianfranco Rosi (“Fire at Sea”) and Palestinian filmmaker Kamal Aljafari (“With Hasan in Gaza”).

Festival Details

The revamped festival expands the former Ajyal Film Festival into an international showcase. Yemeni‑Scottish director Sara Ishaq’s war drama “The Station” opens the competition. Prize money includes $75,000 for best narrative, $50,000 for documentary, $45,000 for artistic achievement and a $15,000 gender‑neutral performance award. Key partners are Katara, Media City Qatar – Film Committee and Visit Qatar.

Context

Doha’s effort to attract globally recognised talent reflects its strategy to position the city as a hub for independent cinema across the Middle East and beyond.