Naomi Kawase to Lead Doha Film Festival Jury as Japanese Auteur Brings A-List Credibility to Qatar Event

Acclaimed Japanese director Naomi Kawase will head the main competition jury at the Doha Film Festival, running November 19–27 in the Qatari capital. Kawase, Japan’s most prominent female filmmaker and a Cannes regular, has a strong connection with the Doha Film Institute through her mentoring role in the Qumra program, which supports emerging directors. Her appointment signals the festival’s ambition to attract top-tier international talent and elevate its global profile. For Qatar’s growing cultural sector, Kawase’s involvement adds prestige and draws attention to the region’s expanding film industry. Audiences can expect a jury perspective shaped by her humanistic, nature-focused storytelling and her commitment to nurturing new voices. The festival is poised to benefit from Kawase’s reputation and the international media spotlight that follows her, reinforcing Doha’s position as a rising hub for cinema in the Middle East.