The film Al-Mahatta will open the 2026 Doha Film Festival, marking its premiere in the Middle East and North Africa. The new edition of the festival will take place in Doha from November 19 to 27, 2026.
The film marks Yemeni-Scottish director Sarah Ishaq's first feature-length narrative project. It has already gained recognition after receiving five awards in the Final Cut section at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
The Story of Al-Mahatta
The film is set inside a women-only gas station in Yemen, which becomes a rare space where women can meet, exchange conversations and temporarily step away from the pressures of everyday life.
The story follows Layal as circumstances lead her to reconnect with her estranged sister after her younger brother faces the threat of recruitment.
Her journey explores themes of resilience, solidarity and family ties against the backdrop of difficult circumstances.
The cast includes several Yemeni actors, including Manal Al-Maliki, Abeer Mohammed, Rashad Khaled, Saleh Al-Morshadi, Fariha Hassan, Randa Mohammed, Fatma Muthanna, Amal Ismail and Shorouq Mohammed.
Al-Mahatta's Awards and Festival Journey
Al-Mahatta received support through the grants program of the Doha Film Institute before winning five awards in the Final Cut section at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Among its honors was the Venice Biennale Award for Best Film in Post-Production, adding to the film's international festival journey.
The film had its world premiere in the official competition of Critics' Week at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026. It will now continue its festival journey as the opening film of the Doha Film Festival.
Why Was Al-Mahatta Chosen to Open the Festival?
The selection of Al-Mahatta as the opening film of the ninth edition reflects an emphasis on supporting regional filmmaking talents and cinematic voices.
The film presents a local Yemeni story while exploring themes that extend beyond geographical boundaries, including family, resilience and solidarity.
Its selection also highlights the work of emerging filmmakers, with Sarah Ishaq making her feature-length narrative debut through a story centered on women and their experiences in Yemen.
When Is the 2026 Doha Film Festival?
The 2026 Doha Film Festival will take place in the Qatari capital from November 19 to 27, 2026, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from the region and around the world.
Opening the festival with Al-Mahatta places a regional cinematic voice at the center of the event while introducing audiences to a feature debut built around a distinctly local story and broader human themes.
Which film will open the 2026 Doha Film Festival?
Al-Mahatta will open the 2026 Doha Film Festival.
When will the 2026 Doha Film Festival take place?
The festival will run in Doha from November 19 to 27, 2026.
Who directed Al-Mahatta?
The film was directed by Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sarah Ishaq and marks her first feature-length narrative film.
What is Al-Mahatta about?
The story takes place at a women-only gas station in Yemen and follows Layal as she reconnects with her estranged sister while her younger brother faces the threat of recruitment.
