Saleh Bakri
Internationally renowned Palestine actor Saleh Bakri lauded the Ajyal Jury for this year’s 10th special edition of the Ajyal Film Festival. He said it is a “rare platform that gives the youth the opportunity to express themselves and talk about cinema, filmmaking.”
He also termed the Ajyal Jury and the Ajyal Film Festival as “extraordinary”.
“This is an Arab platform that really caters to this generation.” Bakri said that the festival is an avenue to highlight the Arab cinema and artistes.
“To have a platform that gives a voice to the young generation is something to be proud of; I’ve been touched and impressed because I can see the future in their eyes, faces,” the cinema and theatre actor said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
The actor had a session with the Ajyal Jury where they discussed films in general. The Ajyal Jury Competition is the core component of the festival and presents jurors aged 8-25 with the incredible opportunity to decide Ajyal’s competition winners.
The Peninsula asked how Bakri thinks about the filmmaking industry in Qatar and in the Middle East. He said that many young Qatari filmmakers are “inspiring” and he believes that “things are moving forward and developing”.
“The Arab cinema will develop and grow, and we’re seeing proof of that. There are great movies that are leaving quite an imprint in the world. It is a long path, a long road but we can truly say that the Arab cinema has grown and developed.” Bakri also said that TV drama series will likewise develop – moving away from commercial drama.
“A drama that will influence, inspire and leave its impression on us. This is something I miss seeing, I miss seeing good TV drama that includes the diversity of actors.”
The actor also lauded the Doha Film Institute in supporting independent cinema saying it is a source of pride for Arab filmmakers. Bakri has worked with various films that were funded by the institute including Costa Brava, Lebanon, a 2021 film where he starred. It was also included at last year’s Ajyal Film Festival.
The 2022 special edition of Ajyal Film Festival runs from October 1 to 8. This year’s format is unique as screenings will be exclusively for 613 Ajyal Jurors from 50 countries.
