In recognition of her distinguished work in supporting and advancing Qatari, Arab, and international cinema, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) is bestowing its sixth Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award to Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute (DFI), during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which will run from May 13th to the 24th.

The award is designed to honor and highlight prominent industry figures whose persistent contributions have helped elevate the Arab film industry in the eyes of the international filmmaking community as a whole.

Since being appointed as the CEO in 2014, Alremaihi has overseen the strategic direction and focus of the institute to establish and advance Qatar’s film industry on the national, regional, and international stage. Under her leadership, the DFI has launched key initiatives such as the Ajyal Film Festival and Qumra, which nurture the next generation of creative professionals, and has also become an important supporter of many Arab and international film projects that have gone on to achieve success and recognition throughout the festival circuit.

Born and raised in Doha, Alremaihi graduated from Qatar University with a degree in English Literature. She joined the DFI at its inception in 2009 and has since led key programs focused on talent development and building relationships with the global film industry. Her efforts in driving the DFI’s vision to support underrepresented voices in film have earned her recognition among the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global entertainment industry by Variety International.

“We take immense pride in honoring Fatma Hassan Alremaihi with the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award. Since assuming her position, she has made noteworthy efforts to advance the Qatari, Arab, and global film industries,” said Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Co-founders of Arab Cinema Center, in a joint statement.

Meanwhile, DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said, “I am deeply honored by this recognition, which reflects the spirit of a young nation committed to building a dynamic film industry that captures the world’s imagination. At the DFI, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and transform. This award not only strengthens our commitment to nurturing diverse voices and cultivating a rich cultural legacy but also reaffirms Qatar’s unwavering dedication to championing global storytelling — narratives that transcend borders and unite communities around the world.”

Alremaihi is also a member of the Advisory Committee for Qatar Museum’s Lusail Museum, which aims to be a global hub for research and dialogue on the relationships, exchanges, and influences between the Arab World and Europe, Africa, and Central and South Asia.

She received the Officier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of the Arts and the Letters) award from the French government as well for her contribution to art and culture. She has also served on the juries of several global film festivals, including Sarajevo, Antalya, Nara, and Mumbai.

The DFI is an independent, nonprofit cultural organization that supports the growth of the domestic and regional film industry by cultivating film appreciation, advancing skills and knowledge, and leading the development of sustainable creative industries in Qatar and the MENA region.

The institute’s initiatives include the funding and production of local, regional, and international films; skills development and mentorship programs; film screenings; and specialized film events. Centered on culture, community, learning, and entertainment, the institute is committed to being a major contributor to Qatar’s 2030 vision for a knowledge-based economy.

The DFI hosts two major annual events: The Ajyal Film Festival, which has now evolved into the Doha Film Festival, and Qumra, a talent incubation program that provides mentorship and development support to filmmakers from around the world. Since its inception, the DFI has supported over 900 projects from more than 75 countries through its grants and co-financing programmes.

“The DFI has become a crucial stop for any filmmaker in the region and beyond, backing many of the most notable works of Arab and international cinema in recent times, such as “It Must Be Heaven,” “Capernaum,” “Theeb,” “Memoria,” “The Salesman,” among others, all of which have resonated with audiences globally. With her reassuring presence at the helm of DFI, we can look forward to continuing growth for the regional cinema industry going forward — growth that benefits the global film community as a whole,” Karkouti and Diab added.

Last year, the Arab Cinema Center gave its Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award to Mohannad Al-Bakri — the Managing Director of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission. Other recipients of the Award include Founder and Head of the Malmö Arab Film Festival Mouhamad Keblawi; former Tunisian Minister of Culture Chiraz Latiri; and producer, screenwriter, and former Head of the Cairo International Film Festival Mohamed Hefzy. The inaugural award went to both Abdulhamid Juma and Masoud Amralla Al Ali — the former Chairperson and Artistic Director of the Dubai International Film Festival, respectively.