Doha Film Institute (DFI) has underlined its commitment to encouraging cultural exchange through film at the Giffoni Film Festival, the largest children’s film festival in Europe, held in Italy. 
Leading Qatar’s participation at the international festival, the institute is hosting four young jurors at the largest of its kind youth film event in Europe that welcomes young filmmakers and enthusiasts from across the world, DFI has said in a press statement.
Celebrating the cultural partnership between DFI and Giffoni, jurors from the Ajyal Youth Film Festival were chosen to join the international youth jury of the Giffoni Film Festival. They will deliberate on the winners of the 47th edition of the film festival taking place until July 22.
The four jury members from Qatar are in the 13+ category. The jurors from Qatar joined more than 3,500 young people from countries, including Italy, Brazil, Croatia, Russia and South Africa. This is the sixth year that DFI has facilitated the attendance of young talents from Qatar at Giffoni.
As part of its presence at Giffoni Film Festival, the institute is also presenting a special showcase of works by Qatar-based filmmakers, featuring a special programme of ‘Made in Qatar’ films during the festival.
Fatma al-Remaihi, CEO of DFI, said: “Initiatives such as the Giffoni Film Festival and Ajyal Youth Film Festival provide us with an opportunity to enrich the lives of young people through film. By engaging them with compelling and meaningful films, we enhance their awareness of the world around them, and inspire them to see humanity from fresh perspectives. 
“The spirit of enthusiasm and boundless energy of youth is a common trait between our two initiatives, which promote the values of togetherness and bringing communities together in the spirit of cultural exchange.  
“The showcase of the ‘Made in Qatar’ films and the participation of the Ajyal jurors is a strong reflection of the global outlook of Qatar and our focus on promoting universal values that resonate with youth globally.” 
Highlighting the progress made by Qatari cinema at international film events, four ‘Made in Qatar’ films are being shown at the festival. These are ‘Kashta’ (2016) by AJ al-Thani, ‘Dunia’ (Jordan, Qatar/2016) by Amer Jamhour, ‘Shishbarak’ (Palestine, Qatar/2016) by Bayan Dahdah and ‘Makh’bz’ (2015) by Aisha R al-Muhannadi. These films will be screened at Giffoni, in addition to Doha Film Institute-granted film ‘Behind the Wall’ by Karima Zoubir that screens in the festival’s Official Selection. 
DFI will also highlight the fifth edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival this year to be held from November 29 to December 4. Submissions to the festival are now open. 
The six-day festival will bring generations together through activities and events designed to inspire and entertain every member of the family.


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