Qatari and Qatar-resident filmmakers have emphasized the vital role played by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) in supporting their creative projects and cinematic endeavors, helping them take their ideas to a global stage and guiding them along the right path to confidently contribute to the creative industry.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the filmmakers praised the Qumra Film Forum a cinematic incubator for emerging talents from the Arab world and beyond as a testament to DFI's commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema from Qatar and around the world. They highlighted the value of the forum's 11th edition, which offered them expert guidance and insights at various stages of their filmmaking journey.They noted that the mentorship sessions, workshops, and panel discussions delivered by international cinema professionals during Qumra helped them better understand essential tools for honing their skills and developing their projects. These sessions also provided opportunities to connect and exchange experiences with leading names in the global film and creative industries.Dr. Jamal Rashid Al Khunji, director of the documentary My Wallfish Mino, currently in production, told QNA that the film's title refers to a rare and elusive fish, with "Mino" meaning "fish" in Swahili. He shared that he began working on the film five years ago, and that the Doha Film Institute supported the project throughout all its stages financially and creatively including through Qumra and its global network of experts.He added: "The Doha Film Institute has enabled us to bring our local voices to the global stage and to break prevailing stereotypes about Qatari youth. This responsibility motivates us to showcase the beauty of our country whether through drama, documentaries, or other genres."Through his film, Al Khunji aims to explore family relationships from the perspective of an Arab man. "The conversations I have with my mother and children these are moments that usually happen behind closed doors. The film dives into themes that are rarely discussed, and I wanted to challenge stereotypical portrayals of men in this region. There are many indirect messages aimed at society."For her part, director Jawaher Al-Thani, who is working on the feature film Sari and Ameera, said the project is currently in production. She added that she is also working on another feature film, a passion project that has taken ten years to write.Jawaher remarked that Arab cinema is currently experiencing "a surge of brilliance and is carving out its place in the global film industry."Commenting on her focus on desert-themed films, Al-Thani told QNA: "The desert holds a rich history and heritage that deserves to be explored and shared with the world."Filmmaker Nadia Al Khater is participating in Qumra with her film Like a Meteor, which tells the story of a warrior-poet confronting his past."I work with many young people, and I see the talent pool expanding day by day," Al Khater said. "Over the past ten years, film culture in Qatar has grown tremendously. Today, there are many individuals who bring strong expertise and knowledge. Five years from now, the landscape will look very different."Meanwhile, Maryam Al Mohannadi, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar, is presenting her film Fate and Destiny, which revolves around a young woman seeking to separate from her husband a decision that leads to a tense confrontation with her mother.Maryam said she wanted to explore a topic that is both common and complex divorce encouraging audiences to reflect on its causes, as it is a subject with global relevance.For her part, filmmaker Amina Al Banai, director of Inside the White Canvas, said that narrative filmmaking has always been a passion of hers, and that the Doha Film Institute (DFI) played a key role in helping her train in screenwriting and directing techniques.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Banai shared that her film addresses the topic of mental health, especially after observing how many young people have become emotionally stagnant due to overexposure to technology and social media, which often leaves them feeling helpless and depressed.Photographer and director Iman Mirghani, in her film Villa 187 (SudanQatar), explores a deeply personal theme tied to memory and place, depicting the emotional pain of leaving the home her family lived in for thirty years.Meanwhile, director Mohammed Fakhro presents his comedy Salfa, which follows a Qatari food blogger who signs up for an artificial intelligence app that promises to boost his follower count. "The film touches on traditional societal expectations of who we are today, contrasted with the digital pressures imposed by global trends," he explained.The animated film The Sad Boy, by N&LS, tells the story of a young boy overwhelmed by sorrow and painful memories. The filmmaker noted that this marks her first experience directing an animated film, describing it as "an emotional journey that connects viewers to the character's internal struggles, emphasizing the need for empathy and healing."Among the intergenerational Qatari stories featured is Abu Fanous (QatarMorocco), directed by Ameera Abu Jbara and Houria Al-Haddad. It follows an elderly grandfather who tries to protect his grandson from a mysterious and frightening presence in the dark.Other Qatari-linked artistic projects include Ghafa (LebanonQatar) by Tony Al-Ghazal, which centers on a meticulous watchmaker racing against time to create the perfect watch for his only daughter; and Sifting (YemenQatar) by Afnan Taj, which tells the story of a seasoned maid named Sita, who secretly rummages through packed belongings in search of a precious keepsake before it is lost forever.The project I Am You (LebanonQatar) by Myriam Salloum explores how psychological inheritance passes through generations, manifesting in various aspects of life and often leading to devastating consequences.In Bil-Filastini (JordanQatar), director Obadah Jarabi follows a man's journey to find a home for his family, addressing complex themes of identity, belonging, and the refugee experience. Meanwhile, Voices of Silence (ColombiaUSAQatar) by Sebastin Delascasas tells the story of a son struggling to come to terms with his mother's illness and the evolving meaning of home.The 11th edition of the Qumra Film Forum showcases 18 cinematic projects from Qatar, featuring mentorship and support from Qumra experts and professionals in the film industry. The diversity of these projects reflects DFI's commitment to building a thriving creative ecosystem in the country.The selection of these projects is a clear indication of the continued growth of the local film industry, with innovative works spanning both feature-length and short films at various stages of development and production. These Qatari projects are part of a larger slate of 49 promising films by emerging filmmakers from 23 countries around the world participating in Qumra.Earlier, the Museum of Islamic Art hosted a film seminar where renowned Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz praised the Doha Film Institute for its significant role in supporting and developing cinema in the region. He noted that the Qumra Film Forum continues to make remarkable strides in the field and is playing a pivotal role in empowering young filmmakers.