The acclaimed actor will discuss her film with the young jurors. She will also receive the Ajyal Honorary Award from DFI to celebrate her inspirational career.
Ithaca is described as 'a beautifully staged adaptation' of William Saroyan’s novel “The Human Comedy.”
The film is a story of a teenage boy who takes on a part-time job as a telegram delivery boy in a fictional US town during World War II, with deeply moving results.
Ryan takes a pivotal role in the film and recruits her regular co-star Tom Hanks in a cameo while Sam Shepard stars as a crotchety telegraph operator nearing retirement.
The film highlights the acting talents of three young actors, including Ryan’s son Jack Quaid, and newcomers Alex Neustaedter, and Spencer Howell.
“The heartwarming and poignant film will resonate with our jurors as it deals with the subject of self-discovery, values of familial bonding and the re-kindling of hope in tough situations,” festival director and DFI CEO Fatma al-Remaihi noted.
She described Ryan as one of the most successful actors on the big screen, with an impressive filmography that spans more than three decades.
“Meg Ryan is an inspiration to people of all ages, not only for her perseverance in lending diversity to her roles, but also for her commitment to improving the lives of other women,” she said.
“We look forward to screening her work to audiences in Qatar and are confident that our jurors will gain invaluable insights by interacting with such an accomplished individual, and her transition from an actor to a director,” al-Remaihi added.
