by Salim Matramkot
Local, regional and international figures from the film industry added sparkle to the opening night of the first Ajyal Youth Film Festival, organised by Doha Film Institute (DFI). Among the leading regional cinema figures who graced the red carpet on Tuesday were Abdulrahman Alaqel, Ali Al Rayes, Haya Al Shuaibi, Huda Hussain, Tareq Al Ali, Sultan Al Ali and Abdulnasser Al Zayer. Sixty-five films from 30 countries, an extensive programme of industry and community events, and five days of film, art, and cultural activities took centre stage at the festival, which marked the culmination of year-round initiatives by DFI aimed at teaching better appreciation of films to audiences of all ages.
