Through the art of storytelling, films can convey and simplify complex socio-political issues and cultural perspectives to diverse audiences across various evolving societies. The Arab Film House (AFH) program is a joint initiative by QAIC and the Doha Film Institute (DFI) that aims to highlight the crucial role that cinema and film play in defining various cultures while serving as a bridge between them.  The Arab Film House will focus on three main core values: Accessibility, Engagement, and Research. 

• Accessibility: by offering educational workshops, special talks, exclusive screenings at QAIC’s Washington DC-based theater, and honor exceptional films through the Arab Film House Award.  
• Engagement: by serving as a hub for emerging Arab filmmakers from Qatar, the United States, and all around the world who aspire to tell unique stories through this creative medium.   
• Research: by providing significant research and film knowledge, original content, and resources that will be available to the public through our digital and social platforms. For instance, our social media series Featured Film Friday

The Arab Film House Awards

Every year, we will announce a theme or genre for the award. Submissions and/or recommendations will be welcomed during the selection period. Selected films will be announced online, and their creators will be invited to join QAIC’s annual IMPART SUMMIT in Washington, DC, and DFI’s annual Qumra and/or AJYAL Film Festival in Doha, Qatar.  

This year, we will be selecting 2-3 films by Arab or Arab American filmmakers that focus on the theme of Sport and Society.  Whether an experimental short film on the triumphs of your neighborhood’s girls’ soccer team or a documented vlog on your best friend reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, we welcome your films that tell your story through the lens of sports and society.  

For more information about this program, award deadlines, and others, please contact us through the form here.