Shocking Yemeni drama 'The Station' ignites Doha Film Festival

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced that the 2026 Doha Film Festival, scheduled to run from November 19 to 27 in Qatar’s capital, will open with the Yemeni feature drama *The Station*.

The film made its world premiere at Cannes Critics’ Week in May and will debut on the festival’s opening night in a setting that underscores its relevance to regional turmoil.

*The Station* follows Layal (Manal Al‑Mulaiki), the owner of a women‑only petrol station in war‑torn Yemen. The story centers on her struggle to protect her younger brother’s life by reconnecting with an estranged sister, all while the station serves as a rare sanctuary for women seeking respite from surrounding conflict.

The decision to spotlight this film comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, highlighted by Saudi Arabia’s cancellation of its 2026 Red Sea International Film Festival.

By selecting *The Station*, the Doha Film Institute signals a commitment to cinema’s role as a source of hope and connection even when the region faces uncertainty.

## Background & Context

Sara Ishaq, the film’s writer‑director, is a Yemeni‑Scottish filmmaker whose first feature follows her past work on the Oscar‑ and BAFTA‑nominated short documentary *Karama Has No Walls* (2012) and *The Mulberry House*, which chronicled her return to Yemen after a decade in Scotland.

The film’s premiere at Cannes Critics’ Week marked Ishaq’s debut in fiction, adding a new dimension to her portfolio.

The United Nations has described Yemen as facing “the world’s most severe humanitarian and development crises,” with 40 million people affected by war and climate‑related disasters. *The Station* captures this backdrop through a narrative that centers on resilience, sisterhood, and solidarity within the confines of a women‑only petrol station.

The movie was made in partnership with a multi‑national co‑production team, including Screen Project (Ta Films), Georges Films, One Two Films, KeplerFilm, BarentsFilm, Setara Films and The Imaginarium Films, with sales handled by Paris‑based Paradise City.

The Doha Film Festival itself evolved from the long‑running family‑focused Ajyal cinema event and now operates across venues such as Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art.

Its International Competition offers more than $300,000 in prize money, and Industry Days run in cooperation with the Qatar Film Committee to bring together global film professionals.

*The Station* is not only a cinematic statement but also a cultural bridge that reflects the DFI’s mission to support stories “deeply rooted in place and universal in their themes.” The film’s intimate setting—a single, bustling petrol station—serves as a metaphor for the way ordinary spaces can become powerful stages for storytelling, especially when they are shielded from external conflict.

## What People Are Saying

In a statement released with the announcement,

DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said, “The Station embodies the spirit of cinema we believe in at Doha Film Institute — stories rarely heard that cross borders and remind us of our shared humanity.” She added that opening the festival with the film “is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, cinema can create a space for connection, dignity and hope.”

Lead producer Nadia Eliewat, who co‑wrote the screenplay, remarked, “In this time of uncertainty in our beloved region, our ability to come together and support our own narrative is vital. The Station is that solidarity.

The film received invaluable support from Doha Film Institute, and to now celebrate it here, together, at Doha Film Festival, is a truly special moment for all of us.”

Director Sara Ishaq described the film’s intent: “The world of *The Station* distils what I love and cherish about Yemen into a fragile utopia, constantly shadowed by turmoil beyond its walls. At its core, this film is about people in all their complexity, contradictions and humanity.

It is an ode to the people of Yemen, who have endured years of war with dignity and strength.” The movie also earned five awards at Final Cut Venice 2025, including the La Biennale di Venezia Award for Best Film in Post‑Production.

Fans of Yemeni cinema have already taken to social media platforms, praising the film’s raw authenticity.

A prominent blogger wrote, “*The Station* feels like a diary written in daylight and darkness; it’s an act of resistance that feels both personal and universal.” In addition, a group of filmmakers from neighboring countries posted a joint statement thanking the DFI for giving the film an international platform, noting how the festival “has become a beacon for voices that have been silenced by conflict.”

Industry insiders see the choice as a strategic pivot.

A senior analyst at a leading film distribution house noted that “the opening of *The Station* positions Doha at the center of a conversation about the role of cinema in conflict zones, while also showcasing the robust network of co‑production partners that can navigate such complex projects.” The partnership between Qatar and Yemen on this project signals a growing trend of cross‑border collaboration within the Gulf, especially as regional film markets seek to diversify beyond traditional narratives.

## What Happens Next

The festival’s opening day, November 19, will feature a screening of *The Station* in one of Doha’s prominent venues. Following the premiere, the International Competition will continue through November 27, with industry panels and networking events scheduled during Industry Days.

The film’s distribution rights are secured by Paradise City, ensuring its availability to international audiences beyond the festival circuit.

By choosing *The Station* as its opener, the Doha Film Institute underscores its belief that cinema can foster dialogue even amid regional conflict.

The film’s focus on resilience and solidarity mirrors the institute’s broader mission to support stories “deeply rooted in place and universal in their themes.” As the festival unfolds, attendees will see how a story set in a women‑only petrol station can resonate across borders, offering a shared space for understanding and hope.

The 2026 Doha Film Festival promises to be a landmark event, celebrating cinema’s power to illuminate humanity’s most pressing challenges while providing a platform for emerging voices from the Gulf and beyond.