Doha: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has opened juror applications for youth from Qatar and beyond for the ninth edition of its flagship Ajyal Film Festival, to take place from November 7-19.
Mindful of the global public health situation and building on the success of last year’s adapted event, DFI will once again present Ajyal in a hybrid format, with a selection of in-person and online activities that will inspire an even greater number of participants and offer a safe event experience.
Young people aged 8-25 are invited to participate in the reputed Ajyal Jury programme that annually welcomes over 500 jurors from over 50 nationalities. Over the past eight years, Ajyal has built a nurturing space where youth are empowered to reach beyond differences to find their creative voice and explore the exciting world of cinema through curated film screenings, workshops, and discussions. Ajyal jurors will also have an opportunity to attend online masterclasses lead by industry experts.
DFI’s annual signature event is an immersive celebration of community and the permeating power of film for audiences across generations. In a fun and collaborative environment, the Ajyal Jurors, categorised into three age groups, 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.
Registration to the Ajyal Jury programme is open until October 24, 2021, at www.dohafilminstitute.com/ajyaljury. Participants must be between the ages of 8 and 25 to enrol.
Applicants can benefit from an early bird discounted fee of QR 150 for registrations completed before September 22. The standard fee is QR 250 with discounted fees for siblings and Qatar Museums Culture Pass Members costing QR 200. For any queries, contact [email protected]
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “Ajyal offers a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of the importance of diversity, engagement, and inclusion for our future. As the world continues to go through uncertain times, it is essential to continue to foster these essential connections and trust our youth to transcend current challenges to continue to build a brighter future. The success of the first hybrid event last year showed us that no physical separation could dampen our collective passion for creative and cultural understanding.
"An invaluable exchange of culture and learning through film, Ajyal’s acclaimed jury programme, since its inception, has worked to nurture the creativity in our children and young adults and to tap into the strength of their collective voice to impact our communities positively.”
Categorised in three competition segments — Mohaq (ages 8-12), Hilal (ages 13-17), and Bader (ages 18-25) — the Ajyal Jurors will evaluate a curated film programme including feature films and short films appropriate to their age. Being an Ajyal Juror is a highly creative learning experience that instils an appreciation of cinema and the values of teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership.
Last year more than 450 jurors of 45 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.