Acclaimed Cambodian-French director and Oscar nominee Rithy Panh
Doha, Qatar: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has opened applications for its prestigious Filmmaking Lab with acclaimed Cambodian-French director and Oscar nominee Rithy Panh, offering emerging filmmakers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and beyond a unique opportunity to refine their craft.
According to a posts on DFI official social media accounts, the year-long programme, running from September 2026 to March 2027, emphasises the profound role of memory, culture, and identity in storytelling.
Participants will work closely with Panh, renowned for his powerful documentaries that explore personal and collective histories, particularly those shaped by trauma and resilience. The lab is designed for intermediate to advanced filmmakers developing short films or debut features in documentary, fiction, or hybrid formats at various stages, from development and production to early editing.
According to DFI, filmmaking transcends mere observation; it serves as a vital tool for understanding the world, fostering positive change, and articulating one’s unique voice. Under Panh’s guidance, attendees will master his distinctive approach to narration, drawing deeply from cultural memory, oral histories, community traditions, and personal origins. The intensive curriculum blends in-person and online sessions, encouraging filmmakers to immerse themselves fully with their subjects to create authentic, transformative narratives.
The schedule includes an initial in-person session from September 6-15, 2026, followed by online mentorship through December.
Subsequent in-person gatherings are planned for mid-January and March 2027. The lab fee is set at QR2,800 with English as the primary language of instruction. Applications close on July 5, 2026.
This initiative aligns with DFI’s broader mission to nurture cinematic talent in Qatar and the Arab world while fostering international collaboration. Established in 2010, the Institute has supported over a thousand projects, backed numerous acclaimed films at festivals like Cannes, and strengthened Qatar’s position as a hub for creative excellence in the region.
Rithy Panh’s involvement brings exceptional expertise. His Oscar-nominated work, including films like The Missing Picture, has earned global recognition for its innovative use of archival material and profound reflections on identity and history. Filmmakers selected for the lab will benefit from his insights into capturing ephemeral moments and building stories rooted in lived experience.
Aspiring participants are encouraged to apply via the DFI website. The programme represents a significant platform for MENA voices to gain international exposure.
