By Nesreen Sadek
The Doha Film Institute has unveiled an ambitious new music program for the upcoming Doha Film Festival, bringing together cinema, music, and cultural exchange in a celebration of creativity. The initiative spotlights both emerging and established talent from across the region and around the globe, underscoring Qatar’s growing role as a hub for artistic innovation.
Headlining the program is internationally acclaimed Palestinian artist Saint Levant, whose distinctive fusion of Arabic, English, and French lyrics—woven through rap, R&B, and Middle Eastern influences—has earned him a devoted global following. Known offstage as Marwan Abdelhamid, Saint Levant’s performance is set to be one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, blending rhythm, identity, and storytelling into a compelling live experience.
Festival Director and Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi described the program as a natural extension of the festival’s mission to foster dialogue through the arts.
“Cinema and music are equal forces of expression, with the power to inspire, stir emotions, and break down barriers,” she said. “Our music program celebrates the deep connection between these art forms while creating shared experiences that bring communities closer together. Welcoming Saint Levant is especially meaningful, as his work embodies cultural dialogue through authentic connection.”
The festival’s music program is structured around 3 thematic pillars: Roots: Showcasing emerging voices from Qatar, the Arab world, and beyond, highlighting the vitality and originality of today’s music scene. Stars: Featuring established regional and international performers whose artistry transcends borders. Soundtrack: Exploring the interplay between film and music, with live performances of iconic scores and compositions that have defined cinematic history.
Through this framework, the program offers audiences an immersive journey into the power of sound, reinforcing music’s central role in cinematic storytelling.
Beyond Saint Levant’s much-anticipated performance, the lineup includes a rich variety of genres and generations, with artists from different backgrounds sharing the stage in a vibrant expression of cultural unity. The initiative complements the festival’s screenings, masterclasses, and cultural events, creating a holistic artistic experience that celebrates the intersection of disciplines.
As the curtain rises on this year’s Doha Film Festival, the addition of the music program promises not only to enhance the festival’s international profile but also to deepen its impact on audiences, reminding them that the language of art—whether through images or melodies—remains a universal bridge.
