Naomi Kawase to Lead 2026 Doha Film Festival Jury with Adam Bessa, Dora Bouchoucha, Gianfranco Rosi

The Doha Film Festival has announced that acclaimed Japanese director Naomi Kawase will preside over the main competition jury for its second edition, set for November 2026. Kawase, a Cannes regular known for her poetic and deeply personal storytelling, brings a distinctive auteur perspective to the role. She will be joined by a diverse panel of industry figures: French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, whose credits include the acclaimed film 'Harka'; Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, a key force in Arab and African cinema; and Italian documentary filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi, winner of the Golden Bear at Berlin and an Oscar nominee for 'Fire at Sea'. The festival also named an award-winning Palestinian filmmaker and artist to the jury, underscoring its commitment to amplifying voices from the region. The second edition builds on the festival's debut, positioning Doha as a growing hub for international and Arab cinema. With Kawase at the helm, the jury is expected to champion bold, human-centered storytelling that bridges cultures and challenges conventions. The 2026 edition will likely draw heightened global attention to Qatar's expanding cultural footprint.