Set to inspire youth audiences in the three jury categories of Mohaq, Hilal and Bader, this year’s feature films curated from across the globe “celebrate this year’s themes of hope, courage and resilience using creatively powerful narratives”.
Ajyal jurors watch and analyse feature and short films in their respective categories, awarding Best Film prizes in all categories.
“Underlining Doha Film Institute (DFI)’s commitment to support quality film productions, four films in competition are backed by the DFI, reinforcing Qatar’s continued focus on promoting distinctive and compelling narratives of universal resonance,” DFI said in a statement.
“Our selection of feature films this year stands out for their bold themes, creative narratives and superb production value,” said Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi, festival director and CEO of DFI.
“What makes them incredibly compelling is how they resonate with a global audience in evocative story-telling. Bringing us tales from far and near, these inspiring stories reflect a slice of real life often overlooked by mainstream storytellers. The chosen films highlight the healing power of storytelling and will spark dialogue and debate through their poignant takes on life and the human spirit.”
In competition in the Mohaq segment for jurors aged eight to 12 are Next Door Spy (Denmark/2017) by Karla von Bengtson; Supa Modo (Kenya, Germany/2018) by Likarion Wainaina; The Night I Swam (Japan, France/2017) by Kohei Igarashi and Damien Manivel; and Zoo (Ireland, UK/2017) by Colin McIvor.
Ajyal Jurors aged 13 to 17 in the Hilal category will watch and evaluate four feature films – Leave No Trace (US/2018) by Debra Granik; Mirai (Japan/2018) by Mamoru Hosoda; The Price of Free (US/2018) by Derek Doneen; and What Walaa Wants (Denmark, Canada/2018) by Christy Garland.
Ajyal Bader Jurors aged 18 to 21 will choose a winner from five feature films: Capharnaum (Lebanon/2018) by Nadine Labaki; Central Airport THF (Germany, France, Brazil/2017) by Karim Ainouz; Freedom Fields (Libya, UK, US, Netherlands, Canada, Lebanon, Qatar/2018) by Naziha Arebi; On Happiness Road (Taiwan/2017) by Hsin-Yin Sung; and Weldi (Tunisia, France, Belgium, Qatar/2018) by Mohamed Ben Attia.
Tickets go on sale on November 13 at FNAC stores (Lagoona Mall and Doha Festival City) and on November 17 at the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office, Building 12. Online ticket sales start on November 13 at www.dohafilminstitute.com/festival.
