The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is accepting juror applications from youth from Qatar and beyond for the eighth edition of its flagship Ajyal Film Festival, set to take place from November 18 to 23 in a new hybrid format. 
DFI is presenting an adapted festival edition this year with most activities – including the Ajyal Competition awards – running online to offer participants a safe event experience. 
Youth aged eight to 25 are invited to the Ajyal Jury Competition programme running from November 11 to 23 and be part of an invaluable cultural experience and explore the exciting world of cinema through curated film screenings, workshops and discussions. In a fun and collaborative environment, Ajyal Jury in three age-groups from 8-25 evaluate the films showcased at the festival and discover cinema not just from the perspective of entertainment but as a medium that can bring about positive social change.
Those who want to register for the Ajyal Jury programme can visit: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/ajyaljury and the last date for applications is until October 31. Registration fee of QR50 is required to confirm interest. Participants can avail of an early bird discounted fee of QR150 for applications received before September 20.
DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said in a statement: “While we must remain responsive to the global public health situation, we are also hopeful that Ajyal’s move into the virtual sphere will inspire an even greater number of participants to benefit from this one-of-a-kind cultural initiative,” she added. Categorised in three competition segments – Mohaq (ages 8 to 12), Hilal (ages 13 to 17) and Bader (ages 18 to 25), the Ajyal Jurors evaluate a curated film programme including feature films and short films appropriate to their age brackets. 
Last year more than 550 jurors of 54 nationalities served as Ajyal Jurors, who had access to specially curated workshops, daily film screenings, jury discussions, opportunities to interact with global filmmakers and a range of events and activities that inspire creative interaction and stimulate cinematic dialogue.