Naomi Kawase to Chair Doha Film Festival’s 2026 Jury

WHO:

Variety - Japanese director Naomi Kawase will preside over the Doha Film Festival’s main competition jury.

Deadline - Naomi Kawase will head the jury for the main international competition at the festival’s second edition.

Deadline - The jury members named are French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, and Italian documentary filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi. The article also mentions an award-winning Palestinian filmmaker and artist but the excerpt does not provide that person’s name.

Variety - Kawase is described as a Cannes regular and Japan’s best-known female film director.

WHAT:

Variety - Kawase was selected to lead the main competition jury of the Doha Film Festival.

Deadline - The festival unveiled Kawase as head of the main international competition jury.

Variety - Kawase has participated in the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra program, mentoring emerging filmmakers.

WHERE:

Variety - The festival is set to take place in Doha, the Qatari capital.

WHEN:

HOW:

(UPDATED October 26, 2026 12:49 UTC)

Japanese director Naomi Kawase will lead the main international competition jury at the Doha Film Festival in Qatar. The jury also includes French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha and Italian documentary filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi. A Cannes regular and one of Japan’s best-known female directors, Kawase has also mentored emerging filmmakers through the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra program.