Doha: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) recently hosted a contemporary Arab cinema week at the Cineteca Nacional de las Artes in Mexico City, Mexico. This event was part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, showcasing a selection of seven films supported by DFI in recent years. Some of these films have been recognized at prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Thessaloniki.
According to Qatar News Agency, the screenings attracted a significant audience, highlighting the interest in contemporary Arab cinema among Mexican viewers. The programme provided a unique opportunity for audiences to experience films from Iraq, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Egypt. These films explored themes of identity, memory, family, and tradition.
HE Advisor on Latin America for the Years of Culture, Mohammed Al Kuwari, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "Years of Culture is built on the idea that lasting partnerships are shaped through people-to-people connection. Film plays a vital role in that by enabling stories to travel." Al Kuwari also noted that the Year of Culture's summer programme coinciding with the World Cup 2026 aims to use culture alongside sport to build meaningful, long-term connections between societies.
Director of Outreach and Programming at Cineteca Nacional de las Artes, Nelson Carro, expressed the value of the partnership with DFI. He noted that the collaboration provides access to Arab films that are not easily accessible through European distributors. Carro highlighted the importance of the curated programme in exploring universal themes and the need to continue strengthening the relationship between the institutions.
The film cycle is part of a broader programme that the Years of Culture will implement in Mexico City this summer. This includes partnerships with institutions like Museo Jumex and the Centro de Cultura Digital, covering film, art, heritage, design, and sport through 2026.