DOHA: The inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), opens tonight with notable talent from the region gracing the red carpet at Katara Opera House.
Leading regional film talent including Abdulrahman Alaqel, Ali Al Rayes, Haya Al Shuaibi, Huda Hussain, Tareq Al Ali, Sultan Al Ali and Abdulnasser Al Zayer will walk the red carpet tonight. Also in attendance will be Abdulla Abdulaziz, Ali Abdulsatar, Hilal Mohammed Hilal, Jassem Al Ansari, Najwa, Pascal Plisson, Saad Burshaid, Salah Al Mulla and Salah Darwish Abdullah among others.
Following the red carpet event is the screening of critically acclaimed anime film, The Wind Rises (Japan, 2013), by renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.
This is the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) premiere of the film, which along with five anime classics will also serve as a tribute to the art and culture of the Japanese art form anime, followed widely by youth across the region. Sixty-five films from 30 countries, an extensive programme of industry and community events, and five days of film, art, and cultural activities, are set to take the centre-stage at the festival.
Marking the culmination of year-round film initiatives, the festival aims to instil a stronger appreciation of films among audiences of all ages, and is being held at Katara until Saturday.
CEO of DFI, Abdulaziz Al Khater, said: “The inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival is a festival for and about young people that will be an important highlight in Qatar’s growing cultural landscape. Ajyal provides young audiences with an opportunity to learn from each other, discuss, debate and contribute to positive changes around them. We are proud to have young people sharing their enthusiasm and developing a deeper appreciation of film. This is their platform – for self-expression and creativity.”
“Over the next five days, festival-goers of all ages are in for an exciting line-up of films and events that aim to encourage dialogue and discussion. Through Ajyal, we hope to create an environment that will encourage our youth to contribute to the development of quality original content for them,” said Festival Director, Fatma Al Remaihi. The Festival will also host the ‘Doha Film Experience,’ in which young jurors from ages 8 to 21, will be given the opportunity to watch 21 short films and eight feature films, under three categories – Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader.
Tickets are available at the Box Office of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, in Katara and City Centre. For more details visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com
The Peninsula
