The first-ever hybrid edition of the Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), will feature a selection of 80 films from 46 countries, representing timeless tales of community and determination, highlighting the innocence of youth and an enduring optimism through cinema.
The six-day event, to be held from November 18 to 23 in an adapted format, celebrates the essence of Ajyal and its commitment to community and youth development, with the majority of activities offered online.
Pushing the limits of creativity and paving new paths, Ajyal 2020 will feature an innovative mix of virtual and in-person film screenings, interactive discussions, and the first-ever drive-in cinema in Lusail as part of a multi-sensory experience for all ages. In line with
government guidelines and with the health of all Ajyal participants as the top priority, DFI continues to work closely with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Crisis Committee to deliver a safe festival experience with a balance of virtual and in-person elements.
This year’s festival will open with Sun Children by Iranian director Majid Majidi, which made its debut at the 77th Venice International Film Festival earlier this year. It spotlights the resilience and creativity of the youth, which when nurtured brings about lasting social change and creates the great innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Tickets for the 8th Ajyal Film Festival are now available for online purchase.
“The impact of film and art moves beyond boundaries and limitations, and its innate power to connect and inspire is now more important than ever. A year ago none of us would have thought the situation in the world would be what it is today. Out of adversity emerges innovation and at Ajyal 2020, we have found creative new ways through technology to continue to bring people together to celebrate the power of film in a safe environment,” DFI CEO and festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said at a press conference held at Katara – the Cultural Village Wednesday.
She was joined by Ajyal Exhibition co-ordinator Khalifa al-Thani and DFI Marketing and Communications director Fatma al-Ghanim.
“The adapted edition of Ajyal will be a hybrid event of online and in-person activities that will ensure the creative vibrancy of Qatar while taking active responsibility for the physical well-being of all participants,” she said.
“The challenges of this year have taught us important lessons in compassion and humanity, and most importantly forced us to adapt to a new altered reality. This year’s festival theme – ‘The Show Goes On’ – captures the sentiment of this time and celebrates the resilience demonstrated through this year, and the power of creative expression to reinforce our resolve and amplify our voices,” Alremaihi added.
“The theme also captures the strength of Ajyal – which has persevered and adapted and continues forward as a renowned cultural event in an innovative new format.
“Ajyal offers a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of diversity, engagement, and inclusion for our future. In this time of uncertainty and physical separation, it is essential to continue to foster these important connections and trust our youth to overcome current challenges to build a brighter future,” she said.
Ajyal 2020 will provide the jury the opportunity to interact with international arts and culture visionary HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who will inspire jurors with her approach to establishing Qatar as a leading global cultural destination and the impact of art and culture in national development.
Ajyal Spotlight sessions will feature Claudio Gubitosi, director and founder of the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy; Indian actor and humanitarian Kunal Kapoor; Goran Bodgan, Bosnian actor known from the TV series Fargo; and American actor and comedian Zach Woods.
Ajyal 2020 will open with Sun Children by Iranian director Majid Majidi
Pushing the limits of creativity and paving new paths, Ajyal 2020 will feature an innovative mix of virtual and in-person film screenings, interactive discussions, and the first-ever drive-in cinema in Lusail as part of a multi-sensory experience for all ages. In line with
 Kunal Kapoor |
This year’s festival will open with Sun Children by Iranian director Majid Majidi, which made its debut at the 77th Venice International Film Festival earlier this year. It spotlights the resilience and creativity of the youth, which when nurtured brings about lasting social change and creates the great innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Tickets for the 8th Ajyal Film Festival are now available for online purchase.
“The impact of film and art moves beyond boundaries and limitations, and its innate power to connect and inspire is now more important than ever. A year ago none of us would have thought the situation in the world would be what it is today. Out of adversity emerges innovation and at Ajyal 2020, we have found creative new ways through technology to continue to bring people together to celebrate the power of film in a safe environment,” DFI CEO and festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said at a press conference held at Katara – the Cultural Village Wednesday.
She was joined by Ajyal Exhibition co-ordinator Khalifa al-Thani and DFI Marketing and Communications director Fatma al-Ghanim.
“The adapted edition of Ajyal will be a hybrid event of online and in-person activities that will ensure the creative vibrancy of Qatar while taking active responsibility for the physical well-being of all participants,” she said.
“The challenges of this year have taught us important lessons in compassion and humanity, and most importantly forced us to adapt to a new altered reality. This year’s festival theme – ‘The Show Goes On’ – captures the sentiment of this time and celebrates the resilience demonstrated through this year, and the power of creative expression to reinforce our resolve and amplify our voices,” Alremaihi added.
“The theme also captures the strength of Ajyal – which has persevered and adapted and continues forward as a renowned cultural event in an innovative new format.
“Ajyal offers a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of diversity, engagement, and inclusion for our future. In this time of uncertainty and physical separation, it is essential to continue to foster these important connections and trust our youth to overcome current challenges to build a brighter future,” she said.
Ajyal 2020 will provide the jury the opportunity to interact with international arts and culture visionary HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who will inspire jurors with her approach to establishing Qatar as a leading global cultural destination and the impact of art and culture in national development.
Ajyal Spotlight sessions will feature Claudio Gubitosi, director and founder of the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy; Indian actor and humanitarian Kunal Kapoor; Goran Bodgan, Bosnian actor known from the TV series Fargo; and American actor and comedian Zach Woods.