The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has officially opened submissions for its Grants Programme for Fall 2026, inviting filmmakers from Qatar, the MENA region, and around the world to apply for funding and creative support for a variety of film and series projects.
Applications for this latest funding cycle opened on June 22 and will remain open until July 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. GMT+3. Filmmakers must submit their applications through DFI’s online portal; applications submitted by email or that are incomplete will not be accepted. The institute encourages all applicants to thoroughly review the programme guidelines to ensure all necessary documentation is included.
The DFI Grants Programme is one of the longest-standing film funding initiatives, focused on discovering new talent, supporting emerging voices in cinema, and assisting filmmakers in developing internationally appealing stories. The programme provides both financial aid and creative support for short and feature-length films, as well as television and web series projects.
Funding is available for various types of projects, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and essay films, at different stages such as development, production, and post-production, subject to eligibility criteria. Additionally, the programme particularly supports TV fiction series, creative documentary series, and web series from filmmakers and screenwriters based in the MENA region.
According to DFI, applications are evaluated based on regional eligibility criteria that vary by the filmmaker’s nationality and the project type. Applicants who are unsure about applicable criteria are encouraged to consult the country eligibility lists on the institute’s website or reach out to the grants team for assistance.
Successful applicants will benefit not only from financial support but also from creative resources designed to help them realise their projects and reach international audiences. Since its inception, the programme has supported over 1,000 projects across more than 80 countries, positioning it as a key player in the region’s film funding landscape.
DFI’s funding initiatives are integral to its overarching goal of enhancing Qatar’s film ecosystem and promoting collaboration between local and international filmmakers. The institute champions a wide range of genres and formats, placing significant emphasis on original storytelling and culturally significant narratives.
This Fall 2026 funding cycle follows the Spring 2026 edition, which successfully attracted numerous filmmakers from around the globe seeking support for independent films and audiovisual works.
