Fatma Al Remaihi (right), Festival Director of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival; Reem Saleh (third right), Deputy Director; Abdulla Al Mosallam (second left), Chief Administrative Officer; Chadi Zeneddine (left), Senior Programmer; and other officials during
Doha: Doha Film Institute (DFI) yesterday announced 70 films from 33 countries are participating at the fourth annual Ajyal Youth Film Festival which kicks off on November 30 at Katara Cultural Village.
Hollywood actress Meg Ryan is one of the celebrities confirmed to attend the festival. Her directorial debut Ithaca, a coming-of-age film adapted from William Saroyan's novel "The Human Comedy", is one of the 42 films scheduled for public screening during the six-day festival which also includes 18 jury screenings, interactive panels and masterclasses, red carpets, exhibitions and family activities.
“Ajyal is a festival of cinema for the community, which has truly become an event for all generations. At the core of this celebration are young people from Qatar and around the world, who come together in a creative and inspiring environment, to explore and engage with the many interesting films and subject matters that fuel their curiosity and sparks their imaginations,” said Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and DFI CEO.
This year’s Ajyal highlights the theme of positive social change with thought-provoking films that inspire the youth and stimulate discussions about real and relevant issues that affect them globally. The line-up includes 24 features and 46 short narratives/documentaries, with themes ranging from women empowerment to the global displacement crisis, the loss of loved ones, financial dependence, separation and everyday struggles, presented with an underlying spirit of optimism and hope.
“Since our inception four years ago, we have evolved tremendously, especially in the diversity of our programming that encourages critical thinking on contemporary issues, and highlights the power of films to shape perceptions and change minds. With our theme on social change and transformation, we have carefully curated a programme that urges audiences to understand the power that lies in every human being to make a positive difference,” added Al Rumaihi.
The festival will open with the MENA premiere of The Eagle Huntress, directed by Otto Bell, and close with The Red Turtle by Michaël Dudok de Wit – also a MENA premiere.
The competition line-up comprises 14 feature films from 17 countries and a series of short film programmes. More than 500 jurors from the ages of 8 to 21 who make up the Ajyal Competition Jury will watch and analyse films under three sections – Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader – followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
The Jury includes 24 young international jurors from Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Serbia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
New this year is the Midnight Screenings strand. Fifteen films supported by DFI through its Grants Programme, co-financing, Qatari Film Fund or projects mentored through its labs and workshops will also be screened.
Tickets, which are priced QR25 for general screening, go on sale from today at ajyalfilm.com or from the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office in Katara Building 12 or Ajyal FNAC Ticket Outlet, FNAC Qatar at Lagoona Mall.
