The Arab Cinema Center (ACC) has selected Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), as the recipient of the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award for 2025. This prestigious recognition will be presented to Alremaihi during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 13th to 24th. The award celebrates individuals who have made lasting contributions to the Arab film industry, elevating its status within the international filmmaking community.
Alremaihi's dedication to the growth of Qatari, Arab, and global cinema has been instrumental since she took over as CEO of the DFI in 2014. Under her leadership, the DFI has launched key initiatives, such as the Ajyal Film Festival and Qumra, designed to support emerging talent and foster the development of the next generation of filmmakers. These initiatives have helped raise the profile of Arab cinema globally, and the DFI has become a key supporter of various successful film projects across the festival circuit.
A native of Doha, Alremaihi earned a degree in English Literature from Qatar University before joining the DFI in 2009. Over the years, she has driven major initiatives aimed at developing talent and establishing key global partnerships in the film industry. Her remarkable work has led to her recognition as one of the 500 most influential business leaders in the entertainment industry by Variety.
In a joint statement, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Co-founders of the Arab Cinema Center, expressed their admiration for Alremaihi’s significant contributions to the Arab film sector, noting how her work has helped elevate its status internationally. "Her commitment has had a profound impact on the Arab film industry, bringing it into the global spotlight," they said.
Reacting to the award, Alremaihi expressed her deep appreciation, emphasizing that the recognition highlights Qatar’s vision of establishing a dynamic film industry. "At the DFI, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling," Alremaihi said. "This award reinforces our commitment to empowering diverse voices in cinema and creating a lasting cultural legacy, while showcasing Qatar's dedication to supporting global storytelling that transcends borders."
In addition to her work with the DFI, Alremaihi is a member of the Advisory Committee for Qatar Museum’s Lusail Museum, which will focus on fostering international dialogue and collaboration between the Arab world and regions such as Europe, Africa, and Central and South Asia. Her outstanding contributions to the arts have earned her the Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award from the French government. She has also served on the juries of prestigious film festivals, including those in Sarajevo, Antalya, Nara, and Mumbai.
Under Alremaihi's leadership, the Doha Film Institute has been pivotal in the development of Qatar’s creative industries and the country's vision for a knowledge-based economy. The institute supports various film projects, from funding and production to mentorship and hosting film events, all of which play a significant role in the cultural development of Qatar.
Since its founding, the DFI has supported over 900 film projects from more than 75 countries. These films, such as IT MUST BE HEAVEN, CAPERNAUM, THEEB, MEMORIA, and THE SALESMAN, have garnered global acclaim, earning recognition at major international film festivals. This success underscores the DFI's commitment to promoting films that resonate with global audiences and reflect the diversity of global storytelling.
Karkouti and Diab also acknowledged Alremaihi’s role in the continued growth of regional cinema. "Her leadership has been key to the growth of the regional film industry, and under her guidance, we can look forward to further advancements that will benefit the global film community," they noted.
Previous recipients of the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award include influential figures such as Mohannad Al-Bakri, Managing Director of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission; Mouhamad Keblawi, Founder of the Malmö Arab Film Festival; and Mohamed Hefzy, producer, screenwriter, and former Head of the Cairo International Film Festival.
By recognizing Alremaihi, the Arab Cinema Center celebrates her vital contributions to the Arab film industry and her ongoing efforts to shape the future of cinema both regionally and internationally.
