The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is now accepting juror applications for the 8th edition of its flagship Ajyal Film Festival, set to take place from 18 to 23 November. The festival will be in a new hybrid format that will extend the spirit of Ajyal into a virtual space for immersive creative expression and community.
Building on the success of the Ajyal Film Festival and its reputed jury programme that welcomes over 550 jurors annually, DFI is presenting an adapted festival edition this year with most activities – including the Ajyal Competition awards – running online to offer participants a safe event experience. Youth aged 8 to 25 years old are invited to the Ajyal Jury Competition programme from the 11 to 23 November and explore the exciting world of cinema through curated film screenings, workshops and discussions.
DFI’s annual signature event is an immersive celebration of community and the permeating power of film for audiences across generations.
To register for the Ajyal Jury programme visit dohafilminstitute.com. Last date for application is 31 October 2020. Participants can avail of an early bird discounted fee of QAR150 for applications received before 20 September.
According to Festival Director and DFI Chief Executive Officer Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, they take great pride in the global Ajyal community and its collective belief that art and film are here to comfort and inspire each of us, especially now, at a time of uncertainty and physical separation.
DFI is presenting an adapted festival edition that will continue to celebrate the essence of Ajyal and its commitment to youth development.
While we must remain responsive to the global public health situation, we are also hopeful that Ajyal’s move into the virtual sphere will inspire an even greater number of participants to benefit from this one-of-a-kind cultural initiative.
She said that Ajyal’s acclaimed jury programme is a truly eye-opening experience that empowers the youth and encourages them to assume active roles within their communities. Ajyal over the years has given the youth an opportunity to explore new horizons of creative and cultural understanding.
Now more than ever, youth engagement across physical and cultural divides is essential to instilling a sense of empowerment in our future and bringing us closer together as a global community.
Categorised in three competition segments – Mohaq (8-12 years old), Hilal (13-17 years old) and Bader (18-25 years old), the Ajyal Jurors evaluate a curated film programme including feature films and short films appropriate to their age brackets. Being an Ajyal Juror is a highly creative learning experience that instils an appreciation of cinema as well as the values of teamwork, critical thinking and leadership.
Last year more than 550 jurors of 54 nationalities served as Ajyal Jurors. These jurors had access to specially curated workshops, daily film screenings, jury discussions, opportunities to interact with global filmmakers and a range of events and activities that inspire creative interaction and stimulate cinematic dialogue.
For more information, visit the DFI website at dohafilminstitute.com.
