Under the theme “Towards Sustainable Communities,” Mentor Arabia, in partnership with the Doha Film Institute and Qatar Museums, held the awards ceremony for the fifth edition of the “Youth Empowerment Films & Songs Competition” on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Museum of Islamic Art Theater in Doha, Qatar.
The event was attended by over 200 cultural, artistic, social, and media figures, as well as representatives from relevant institutions and organizations. During the ceremony, 12 talented young men and women, aged 18 to 30, from various Arab countries, were honored for their outstanding work in the competition’s main categories: Narrative Films, Documentary Films, PSA Films, Animated Films, and Songs.
Additionally, a special award was presented to young Qatari talents participating in the competition.
The fifth edition of the competition aimed to raise awareness about the importance of building sustainable communities, encourage youth to adopt healthy lifestyles, inspire them to excel in their professional journeys, and provide mentorship and guidance opportunities.
Launched in 2017, the competition has evolved into a regional initiative and a leading platform dedicated to supporting and encouraging young Arab artistic talents to create and develop impactful short films and songs. It also provides them with a safe space to express their concerns, aspirations, and opinions on pressing social and humanitarian issues. The competition has been organized in collaboration with over 80 strategic partners, including: The Doha Film Institute, MBC Hope, The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Zain Jordan, Anghami, The Royal Health Awareness Society, IEFTA, and several local, regional, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, media outlets, universities, academies, and private sector companies.
The initiative has gained significant traction, attracting over 5,000 young participants and 45 winners across its five editions. More than just an awards program, the competition also offers training workshops led by renowned artists and industry professionals, with over 200 young participants benefiting from these programs so far.
Past editions of the competition were concluded with prestigious ceremonies:
- First edition (2017) in Amman, Jordan, under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II
- Second edition (2019) in Kuwait, under the patronage of the Minister of Information & Youth
- Third edition (2022) in Amman, Jordan, attended by HM Queen Silvia of Sweden
- Fourth edition (2024) in Amman, Jordan, under the Patronage of HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the RFC’s Board of Commissioners
The competition’s judging panel includes a distinguished group of creatives, artists, and industry experts, including:
Abu, Ahmed Al-Khatib, Amin Dora, Bashar Al-Shatti, Hamad Al-Sarraf, Darin Sallam, Daniella Rahme, Rami Koussa, Rahma Riadh, Rahma Suleiman, Sam Lahoud, Souad Massi, Said Marouk, Safwan Modir, Sophie Boutros, Tarek El-Ganainy, Essam Youssef, Omar Al-Maina, Fayez Al-Saeed, Qays Sheikh Najib, Carla Aad, Carlos Azar, Karess Bashar, Lamia Guiga, Lianne Llewellyn, Mohamed El-Bassiouni, Mohamed Hefzy, Mohamed Mashish, Mohamed Mohsen Jaber, Michel Fadel, Milad Abi Raad, Nassif Zeytoun, and Nizar Francis.
