Initiative designed to support the next generation of creative professionals and strengthen the regional creative industries

Doha Film Institute (DFI) today announced a new milestone in its commitment to nurturing regional creative talent with the launch of specialised vocational training programmes in partnership with two of the world’s leading film and creative arts schools, La Fémis and Gobelins Paris.

Developed with support from Institut Français du Qatar and Qatar Museums, the programmes form a core pillar of DFI’s long-term strategy to expand access to industry-ready education and create alternative pathways for emerging filmmakers, animators, and creative professionals. Designed with a hands-on, project-based approach, the training will offer participants theorical and practical training in cinematography and animation while connecting them with internationally acclaimed faculty and industry professionals.

By investing in vocational education and building strong global partnerships, the Institute reinforces its role as a regional leader in cultivating talent and shaping the future of cinema, animation, in the region. With a strong emphasis on practice, mentorship, and real-world application, the initiative reflects DFI’s mission to strengthen the region’s creative industries by equipping young talent with the tools, discipline, and global exposure needed to excel.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of DFI, said: “Vocational training represents the future of learning. In a fast-changing world, we must empower young people with education that is practical, adaptable, and connected to real opportunities. Our partnerships with La Fémis and Gobelins Paris add to our year-round workshops and mentoring sessions that have, over the years, helped build a thriving creative ecosystem in Qatar and the wider region. Placing skills, creativity, and hands-on experience at the heart of how we prepare the next generation of storytellers, they are pathways into the industry, bridges to global networks, and catalysts for creativity across our region.”

The initiative is designed to support the advancement of the regional ecosystem while contributing to the growth of Qatar’s creative economy through intensive labs and specialised workshops throughout 2026.

The La Fémis Cinematography Certificate Programme is an intensive four-month training session dedicated to young talent who wish to deepen their artistic and technical understanding of cinematography. Designed with La Fémis and delivered through a clear progression of theory, practical exercises and online and in-person sessions, the programme guides participants toward a strong foundation in the craft of cinematography. Selected participants will learn the creative and technical responsibilities of a Director of Photography and gain the tools they need to progress in the industry with confidence. The programme is planned for June 2026.

The Gobelins Paris Animation Certificate Programme introduces emerging artists to the fundamentals of animation, character animation and visual storytelling with structured 9-month training workshops. Through three pedagogical modules combining lectures, practical workshops in Doha and online follow up sessions, participants advance step by step toward learning the essential principles of 2D animation. Each module concludes with a final project, and graduates receive a Gobelins Certificate of Achievement. The programme also complements the DFI ToonBoom Certificate, creating a complete learning pathway for animators in the region and is planned for September 2026.

Through these partnerships, the institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing creative talent, expanding access to world class training and supporting the growth of a vibrant film and animation ecosystem in Qatar and the wider region.

DFI empowers creativity through collaboration and continuous learning. For beginners and those aspiring to refine their craft, the initiatives are designed to support their journey and connecting them to a global community of mentors and peers. More details of the education programmes will be announced shortly.