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Qatar / General

Doha Film Institute’s ‘Geekend’ returns with largest creative marketplace to date

Published: 04 Feb 2025 - 11:12 am | Last Updated: 04 Feb 2025 - 11:14 am
People enjoying board games as part of an earlier edition of Geekend.

People enjoying board games as part of an earlier edition of Geekend.

The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Geekend, the region’s premier pop culture event by Doha Film Institute, returns this February with its largest creative marketplace yet — the Geekend Market. The event will bring together 37 Qatari and regional talents, including participants from the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, for an exciting three-day celebration of creativity and community.

Taking place from February 6–8 at the Geekdom Building on Lusail Boulevard, Geekend 2025 will unite Qatar’s diverse geek communities for a weekend of camaraderie and collaboration.

Abdulla Al Mosallam, Chief Administrative Officer of Doha Film Institute, and Founder of Geekdom, said: “What makes this year’s Geekend truly special is the extensive participation of Qatari and regional creative talents, making it the largest of its kind GeekendMarket to date. This underlines our support and commitment to nurturing talent and building a vibrant ecosystem for content creators in Qatar. Geekend has evolved considerably since its inception not only as a showcase of creativity that brings together like-minded creative individuals and geek enthusiasts but also in building the creative economy of Qatar.”

At the Geekend Market, visitors can engage with numerous creative talents, including character designers, concept artists, storyboard artists, and fan artists, who will showcase their talents. Visitors can purchase original artwork, merchandise, and collectables directly from the creators, supporting the local and regional creative community.

Visitors can relax at the Geekend Lounge or enjoy snacks and beverages at the Geekdom Café. Gaming enthusiasts can participate in competitive board game tournaments, including Quoridor and the first officialQatar Catan Championship, hosted by Majlis Shabab. The winner of the championship will be sponsored by SuperHeated Neurons to represent Qatar at the Catan World Championship 2025 in Germany.

Side quests and a board game area with games for all skill levels will also be available. The Escape Room – The Black Forest invites players to solve riddles and challenges to secure their escape.

Stage programmes include Karaoke Nights, a Cosplay 101 Workshop, the Yorozuya Anime Quiz, and other anime events hosted by Team Nakama. Visitors can also join a weekend gaming challenge and other fun-filled activities.

As always, Geekend serves as a vital networking platform for creative professionals, fostering collaboration and strengthening Qatar’s creative sector. Artists, designers, and contemporary culture enthusiasts will find opportunities to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a welcoming environment. Tickets for the three-day event are priced at just QAR 20 per day, providing access to a vibrant celebration of pop culture and creativity.

Geekendhas become a highly anticipated event on Qatar’s cultural calendar since 2023, attracting a diverse group of artists and creatives from across the region, reflecting its growing popularity and appeal amongst the community. Over the past 2 years, Geekend has seen 347 participants, many of whom have turned their creative projects into independent businesses or licensed ventures, contributing to Qatar’s evolving creative economy.