Popcorn Wire has learned from Deadline that the Doha Film Festival (DFF) will kick off its 2026 program with The Station, a poignant drama that has already garnered significant attention on the international festival circuit. The film marks the debut fiction feature for director Sara Ishaq, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her Oscar and BAFTA-nominated short documentary Karama Has No Walls and the personal documentary The Mulberry House.

The Station immerses viewers in a unique world: a women-only petrol station in Yemen, a rare sanctuary where women find not just fuel, but also conversation and a temporary escape from the surrounding conflict. At its heart is Layal, the station owner portrayed by Manal Al-Mulaiki, whose life takes a dramatic turn when her younger brother faces military enlistment, forcing her to confront her estranged sister to save him. The film's cast also includes Abeer Mohammed, Rashad Khaled, and Randa Mohammed, among others.

Director Sara Ishaq shared her vision for the film, stating, "The world of The Station distils what I love and cherish about Yemen into a fragile utopia, constantly overshadowed by turmoil beyond its walls." She emphasized the film's core message: "It is an ode to the people of Yemen, who have endured years of war with dignity and strength."

The Doha Film Institute (DFI), which organizes the festival, describes The Station as "a bold and deeply human story of resilience, sisterhood and solidarity." The DFI's decision to proceed with its festival and select such a thematically rich film comes at a sensitive time in the Gulf region, marked by geopolitical tensions. This move stands in contrast to the recent cancellation of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival, highlighting DFI's commitment to cinema as a tool for connection and understanding.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the DFI and festival director, articulated the institute's philosophy: "*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, "In opening Doha Film Festival 2026 with The Station, we are opening a space for dialogue, connection and a deeper understanding of the world through the power of film."

The Station has strong ties to the DFI, having received support through its grants program. Before its Cannes debut, the film secured five awards at Final Cut in Venice 2025, including the prestigious La Biennale di Venezia Award for Best Film in Post-Production. Lead producer Nadia Eliewat, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ishaq, reflected on the film's journey: "In this time of uncertainty in our beloved region, our ability to come together and support our own narrative is vital." She celebrated the film's return to Doha, calling it "a truly special moment for all of us."

An international co-production involving Yemeni, Jordanian, French, German, Dutch, Norwegian, and Qatari partners, The Station is produced by Screen Project in co-production with several other entities, with Paris-based Paradise City handling international sales. The second Doha Film Festival is scheduled to run from November 19 to 27, featuring an International Competition with over $300,000 in prize money, alongside its high-profile Industry Days.