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Doha
The first-ever hybrid edition of the 8th Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) from November 18 to 23, opened with a glamorous red carpet event at Cultural Village Foundation (Katara).
In line with the government’s health guidelines, the six-day event will be delivered with a mix of virtual and in-person elements.
On the occasion of the festival’s opening, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of DFI, addressed the youth. “Ajyal 2020 offers a unique opportunity for you to connect with peers around the world who share your passion for learning and discovery through cinema. Our culture’s rich history of literature, art, music and performance serves to preserve our past and informs our unique identity and perspective as Arabs and as modern-day storytellers. Now it’s your turn to shine, as creative role models for the generations of the future,” she said.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, festival director and chief executive officer of the DFI, said: “In previous years, the size of our audiences were limited to the number of seats available; Ajyal 2020’s new hybrid format breaks these limitations and enables audiences from around the globe to join in cinematic celebration of culture and creative expression from wherever they are.
“This year’s Festival theme ‘The Show Goes On’ aptly reflects the essence of that spirit – one of vibrant creativity, community and resilience. We are very proud to embrace youth from all backgrounds and cultures as they explore individual freedom of thought, imagination and expression in the environment of intercultural understanding and respect of Ajyal.”
Delivering important messages of humanity, the festival opened with ‘Sun Children’ (Iran/2020) by Iranian director Majid Majidi, which made its debut at the 77th Venice International Film Festival earlier this year. The film highlights the resilience and creativity of youth, which when nurtured brings lasting social change and inspires great innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
This year, the festival will showcase a diverse programme of 22 features and 58 shorts, including 31 from the Arab World and 30 by women directors.
Expanding audience access across the region via an online streaming platform and exciting new Drive-In Cinema in Lusail, Ajyal 2020 brings back the highly-anticipated Made in Qatar programme presented by Ooredoo, to celebrate emerging film talents who call Qatar home.
For up-to-date information and ticket reservation, visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com/festival.
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20/11/2020
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