By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter
Young jurors at the 2014 Ajyal Youth Film Festival have the same level of expertise like other film juries, screenwriter and director of acclaimed film “Theeb” told Gulf Times.
Leading the red carpet ceremony at Katara – the Cultural Village, award-winning filmmaker Naji Abu Nowar said every person’s view of a film is correct.
“At the end of the day, cinema is not a caste system, it is not an elitist form. Cinema is for people around the world and how every person receives the film is correct,” he noted.
Nowar expressed confidence that young jurors can judge which film deserves to receive an award. He finds the festival “a totally unique experience” with children screening the films, something which never happened before.
The filmmaker attended two screenings for children on Tuesday before speaking to reporters at a press conference in the afternoon.
“At the end of the film, the audience was clapping along with the music which has never happened,” he said. “They were just enjoying the music and I love that, I love seeing the audience engaged with the film.”
“I love the moments when people scream and shout and jump out of their seats, gives me a high.”
Asked what tips he can share to young and aspiring filmmakers, he stressed that they have to get out and make the film without asking permission from anybody.
He said finding a great team is another factor to consider, reiterating that filmmaking is a team effort.
“It is not about you as a director, thinking that you can do everything. It is about finding really talented people,” Nowar added. “The joy of working with people that come up with amazing ideas and it will surprise you every day.”
About awards, he said filmmaking is all about the audience and how they receive the film, which he described as a “great human award.” But he still believes that awards help a filmmaker’s career a lot. “It is amazing when you win one,” he quipped.
Nowar was awarded Variety Arab Filmmaker of the Year by Variety Magazine. He also received an honourable mention from the Sutherland Award journey at BFI London Film Festival, one of the world's most important European film events.
“I love making films and I love watching audiences watch films,” the filmmaker said.
Theeb narrates the story of a young boy secretly following his elder brother and a mysterious British soldier on a significant journey, far more than he ever could have imagined. It is described as a wonderful celebration of the beauty of the Arabian Desert.
Today, Ajyal will hold another red carpet ceremony (5.30pm) and screening of “Qatar Year of Culture Cinema showcase” (7pm).
Doha Film Institute has partnered with Qatar Museums and the Brazilian Embassy in Doha to hold monthly film screenings throughout the year. A special screening of Brazil’s film entry “The Boy and the World” directed by Ale Abreu will be held today to mark the end of the programme.