Doha, Qatar: Submission for this year’s Ajyal Film Festival are open until August 24, giving aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their cinematic creations at the prestigious event.
The festival, slated to take place from November 8 to 16, is a celebration of creativity and cultural dialogue.
Doha Film Institute's commitment to empowering the youth of Qatar lies at the heart of the festival, enabling them to express themselves through the medium of cinema.
Aptly named ‘Ajyal,’ which means ‘generations’ in Arabic, the festival bridges gaps between cultures and brings generations together through the shared love for cinema.
The festival features two main competition categories: Feature Film and Short Film. Within these categories, there are three distinct sections: Mohaq (New Moon), Hilal (Crescent), and Bader. Additionally, the Made in Qatar section highlights films shot in Qatar.
According to DFI’s website, filmmakers eager to participate in the Ajyal Competition must submit their entries before the deadline on August 24. For those specifically interested in the Made in Qatar section, the submission period closes on September 2. The festival organisers will announce the selected entries on October 1, informing the applicants about the status of their submissions.
The Ajyal Competition is a central aspect of the festival, inviting hundreds of young people from around the world to participate as jurors. These aspiring filmmakers get the unique opportunity to contribute to the festival by deciding its competition winners.
Beyond the official film programme, the Ajyal Film Festival features an array of captivating events. Special Screenings, Thematic Tributes, Cinema Under the Stars, and the Creativity Hub promise an engaging and inclusive experience for families and educators alike. The festival is designed not only to entertain but also to foster discussions on a wide range of complex issues facing today’s youth.
“Designed to enhance and encourage regional film-related education programmes, the Festival aims to provide an engaging, inclusive and fun experience for families and educators through collective and individual interaction with the medium of cinema,” DFI explained.
