Short I - Traditie en Transformatie (Made in Qatar) ^{Made in Qatar}

Themes such as tradition, self-discovery, love and cultural expectations are central. From poetic reflections to family drama and social criticism – each film sheds a unique light on the complexity of change.

Chikha – Ayoub Layoussifi & Zahoua Raji

Morocco/France – 2024 – 25 min

Fatine, 17, lives in Azemmour, Morocco, with her mother Nadia – a traditional shikha (singer and dancer of Aïta music) – and her grandfather. When Fatine graduates, she faces a life-changing choice: continue the family’s artistic tradition or choose a ‘safer’ life with her boyfriend Youssef, who rejects her background.

A powerful film about cultural pride, femininity and the tension between tradition and modernity.

I Lay for You to Sleep – Ali Al-Hajri

Qatar – 2024 – 14 min

This experimental film follows Ali, a young man who feels an ominous presence during a lonely car ride. After a tragic accident, his soul begins a spiritual journey through memories, family ties and rituals.

A poetic meditation on death, memory and the search for inner peace.

Can You See Me? – Dhoha Abdelsattar

Qatar – 2024 – 6 min

Maryam lives trapped in a monotonous daily routine, surrounded by memories of happier times. Her relationship is distant and her environment does not see her. When the silence becomes unbearable, she has to confront her own desire for change.

A subdued and compelling portrait of alienation and the struggle to be seen again.

Cochlea – Karim Emara

Qatar – 2024 – 8 min

Six months after their distant relationship, divorced Rokia finds herself face to face with her adult son Youssef. During their meeting, she insists on an old ritual: washing him. Youssef initially resists, but gradually discovers the depth and meaning of her unusual form of love.

An intimate family drama about care, generations and healing.

A Proposal – Nadia Al-Khater

Qatar – 2023 – 13 min

Nasser wants to marry his American fiancée, but their marriage must be approved by a Qatari government commission. During this procedure, he runs up against the harsh limits of bureaucracy and cultural control.

A critical and human view on love, identity and state power.

The Chandelier – Karim Emara

Qatar – 2023 – 11 min

Ameen tries to prepare for an important job interview, but is overwhelmed by the chaos of his family: a falling chandelier, a difficult father-in-law and a series of small disasters.

A light-hearted and humorous film about the balance between personal ambition and social expectations.

Fraiha – Amal Al-Shammari & Hossein Heydar

Qatar – 2022 – 6 min

Fraiha helps her young daughter Amal learn to read, despite being illiterate herself. Their bond, built on trust and love, shows how motherhood and education can go hand in hand, even without formal schooling.

A moving portrait of motherly love, hope and perseverance.