Bringing together award-winning filmmakers from across the globe, Ajyal Film Festival 2020 features a diverse programme consisting of 22 features and 58 shorts, including 31 from the Arab World and 30 by women filmmakers.
In a press statement, the Doha Film Institute (DFI) noted that Ajyal 2020 has also expanded audience access safely cross the region by enabling everyone to share the festival experience from the comfort of their homes via online streaming platform, and an exciting new drive-in element in Lusail in partnership with Qatar National Tourism Council.
"The Institute is proud to have supported 24 films at the festival through its programmes including grants, co-financing, Qatari Film Fund and mentorship through labs and workshops," the statement said. These include: 200 Meters, An Unusual Summer, Gevar’s Land, Their Algeria, The Present, and I am Afraid to Forget Your Face, among others.
In the sixth year of one of the most unique cinematic presentations in the world, DFI noted that Ajyal’s trans-adapted screenings return with four inspiring DFI-supported short films from Qatar’s promising filmmaking talent.
Presented in collaboration with the Translation and Interpreting Institute of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the programme marks the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities and demonstrates the power of film as a tool for inclusion that transcends physical limitations.
Presented by Ooredoo, the 2020 Made in Qatar programme features inspiring films from emerging Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar home. An impressive slate of 16 films brings together exciting voices from the next generation of Qatari creatives whose powerful stories will resonate with audiences across the world.
Lusail’s first-ever drive-in cinema in partnership with the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) will offer a wonderful concept, bringing the communal film-going experience to audiences to enjoy at safe social distances, with screenings of family-friendly classics such as Bambi, Chicken Run, Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe among others.
An annual highlight of the festival, the Ajyal 2020 Kids Red Carpet will celebrate the 70th year of Disney’s most beloved animated classic Cinderella.
The Ajyal Creativity Hub returns as a multi-sensory extravaganza combining film, art and music in a one-stop cultural destination to transport audiences to new places and inspire and unite the community.
The vibrant programme of cultural and creative activities available online to participants and audiences will feature Geekdom, Qatar’s largest and one-of-its-kind pop-culture event; Ajyal Talks, gathering leaders from film, art, television and technology for inspiring and insightful discussions; and Ajyal Tunes, celebrating the country’s musical talents through a mix of online initiatives and drive-in concerts.
Ajyal 2020 is proud to host world-renowned Qatari composer, Dana Alfardan, and Libyan international humanitarian hero, Alaa Murabit, as part of the Ajyal Talks showcase.
Building on the success of past three exhibitions, this year’s Ajyal exhibition ‘Outbreak’ at Al Hosh Gallery in Msheireb will feature works of art that reflect the new reality of world as it faces a period of instability and uncertainty.
The selected works of immensely talented local artists pay tribute to the brave frontline workers and modern-day heroes sacrificing their lives for the safety of people.
Ajyal 2020’s official partners include Katara – the Cultural Village (cultural partner); QNTC (principal partner); Novo Cinemas, Ooredoo (strategic partner), Msheireb Properties, Qatari Diar (signature partner).
Alaa Murabit
"The Institute is proud to have supported 24 films at the festival through its programmes including grants, co-financing, Qatari Film Fund and mentorship through labs and workshops," the statement said. These include: 200 Meters, An Unusual Summer, Gevar’s Land, Their Algeria, The Present, and I am Afraid to Forget Your Face, among others.
In the sixth year of one of the most unique cinematic presentations in the world, DFI noted that Ajyal’s trans-adapted screenings return with four inspiring DFI-supported short films from Qatar’s promising filmmaking talent.
Presented in collaboration with the Translation and Interpreting Institute of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the programme marks the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities and demonstrates the power of film as a tool for inclusion that transcends physical limitations.
Presented by Ooredoo, the 2020 Made in Qatar programme features inspiring films from emerging Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar home. An impressive slate of 16 films brings together exciting voices from the next generation of Qatari creatives whose powerful stories will resonate with audiences across the world.
A scene from '200 Meters'
Lusail’s first-ever drive-in cinema in partnership with the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) will offer a wonderful concept, bringing the communal film-going experience to audiences to enjoy at safe social distances, with screenings of family-friendly classics such as Bambi, Chicken Run, Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe among others.
An annual highlight of the festival, the Ajyal 2020 Kids Red Carpet will celebrate the 70th year of Disney’s most beloved animated classic Cinderella.
The Ajyal Creativity Hub returns as a multi-sensory extravaganza combining film, art and music in a one-stop cultural destination to transport audiences to new places and inspire and unite the community.
The vibrant programme of cultural and creative activities available online to participants and audiences will feature Geekdom, Qatar’s largest and one-of-its-kind pop-culture event; Ajyal Talks, gathering leaders from film, art, television and technology for inspiring and insightful discussions; and Ajyal Tunes, celebrating the country’s musical talents through a mix of online initiatives and drive-in concerts.
Ajyal 2020 is proud to host world-renowned Qatari composer, Dana Alfardan, and Libyan international humanitarian hero, Alaa Murabit, as part of the Ajyal Talks showcase.
Building on the success of past three exhibitions, this year’s Ajyal exhibition ‘Outbreak’ at Al Hosh Gallery in Msheireb will feature works of art that reflect the new reality of world as it faces a period of instability and uncertainty.
The selected works of immensely talented local artists pay tribute to the brave frontline workers and modern-day heroes sacrificing their lives for the safety of people.
Ajyal 2020’s official partners include Katara – the Cultural Village (cultural partner); QNTC (principal partner); Novo Cinemas, Ooredoo (strategic partner), Msheireb Properties, Qatari Diar (signature partner).