Miramax, Doha Film Institute Launch Writer's Programme To Boost Arabic Content Creation

Miramax, a leading global film and television studio, together with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), has launched the DFI x Miramax Writer's Program. This initiative is designed to nurture Arabic-language content creation across the Middle East and North Africa by offering absolute support to Arab writers.

Through training, mentorship, and access to production and distribution resources, the programme aims to enhance the region's series content production and affirm Qatar’s role as a significant media hub in the Middle East.

The collaboration between the two entities aims to fill a crucial void in the regional media landscape by not only fostering content development but also providing a gateway to Miramax's extensive distribution network, enabling stories to reach a global audience. The programme will select up to five projects from local and regional talents for development annually, linking closely with DFI's Series Programs to broaden their scope and effectiveness.

Miramax has celebrated significant achievements in both film and television over the past year, showcasing its prowess in content creation. Among its successes are the Academy Award®-nominated "The Holdovers," "The Beekeeper," which saw a global box office of over $160 million, and the indie favorite "Strange Darling".

Additionally, the Golden Globe-nominated series "The Gentlemen" debuted in March 2024, quickly rising to the top of Netflix's rankings and securing a renewal for a second season. The studio also announced the fourth installment of the "Bridget Jones" series, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," with a release date set for February 14, 2025.

Miramax’s upcoming slate includes "Roofman," featuring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage, with a premiere date of October 10, 2025, and distribution by Paramount Pictures in the US and UK. The next "Scary Movie" installment, scheduled for the summer of 2026, will see the Wayans brothers involved in writing and producing, with global distribution by Paramount Pictures. Other notable projects include Colman Domingo's directorial debut "Scandalous" and a remake of "The Faculty" penned by Drew Hancock.

Jonathan Glickman, CEO of Miramax, emphasized the universal appeal of storytelling, stating, "At Miramax, we believe great storytelling knows no borders. This partnership with DFI is a powerful step toward amplifying emerging Arabic-language voices and sharing their stories with audiences worldwide."

Echoing Glickman's sentiments, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of DFI, highlighted the cultural significance of storytelling, "At Doha Film Institute, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling to unite, inspire, and celebrate cultural identity.

"Our partnership with Miramax marks an exciting new chapter in championing original Arabic-language content that reflects the depth and diversity of our region. By creating compelling stories in our own voice, we not only preserve our heritage but also bring communities closer together through the universal language of cinema."