DOHA: The first Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), will host school screenings from November 26 to 30 in Katara.
The screenings will feature selected films, followed by question-answer sessions with visiting directors, producers, and actors; allowing students from grade 3 onwards to gain an insight into these films.
Supported by the Supreme Council of Education, school screenings will feature specially curated films from France, Greece, Hong Kong, Iran, Jordan, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, Taiwan, The Netherlands, and the UAE.
Festival Director, Fatma Al Remaihi, said, “The founding motive of Ajyal is to instil love of cinema among the youth, and use the medium of film to expand their imagination and encourage self-expression and conversations.
“With a rich and diverse selection of films, the festival has been specially curated to appeal all ages, especially the younger members of our community.
“The screenings will provide students with an opportunity to discuss ideas, share opinions and better understand the world around them.”
On November 27, students will have the opportunity to watch films headlined by Hoze Naghashi’s The Painting Pool (2013, Iran), Mike Says Goodbye (2012, The Netherlands), Regret (2013, The Netherlands) and Touch of the Light (2012, Hong Kong/Taiwan).
The showcase on November 28 includes: Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang (2013, Spain), On the Way to School (2013, France/Mexico), Kauwboy (2012, The Netherlands) and When I Saw You (2012, Palestine/Jordan/UAE/Greece).
Participating schools include Abdulla Bin Turki, Mesaeed International School, Doha College, Al Hadaya School for Girls, Al Ahnef Bin Qais School for Boys, Al Soud School for Girls, Lycee Bonaparte, Al Khadeeja School for Girls, Al Manar Primary Girls School, Khalid Bin Ahmed, Awfaz Global School and Best Buddies Qatar, among others.
Tickets for the screenings are available at the Box Office of the festival, in The Cultural Village Katara and City Centre.
Meanwhile, the festival announced its partners. They include The Cultural Village Katara as the primary ‘Cultural Partner’ and Occidental Petroleum of Qatar as the ‘Principal Partner’.
Contributing sponsors include ‘Official Electronics Partner’ Fifty One East and Sony, ‘Official Hotel Partners’ InterContinental Doha and The St Regis Doha, and Northwestern University in Qatar.
The ‘Friends of the Festival’ include: ‘Official Bank Partner’ al khaliji, ‘Official Hair Stylist’ Franck Provost, ‘Official Festival Partner’ Giffoni, ‘Official Make-Up Sponsor’ M.A.C Cosmetics, ‘Official Water Sponsor’ Rayyan Mineral Water, Dolby Laboratories, Education Above All foundation and Gulf Film.
Media companies Al Rayyan Productions, Qatar Television, and QF Radio have pledged support as the Gold Media Sponsors, while International New York Times, I Love Qatar, Qatar Happening, Screen International, Time Out Doha and T Qatar – New York Times style magazine Qatar Edition are Silver Media Sponsors. The Peninsula
