Curtains rise on the inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival
Sixty-five films from 30 countries, an extensive programme of industry and community events, and five days of film, art, and cultural activities, are set to take the centrestage, as curtains rise on the inaugural edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute.
Marking the culmination of year-round film initiatives, the festival aims to instill a stronger appreciation of film among audiences of all ages, and will be held at The Cultural Village Katara from November 26- 30, 2013.
Headlining the Festival is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Premiere of the critically acclaimed anime film, The Wind Rises (Japan, 2013), by renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The Wind Rises along with five anime classics will also serve as a tribute to the art and culture of the Japanese art form anime, followed widely by youth across the region.
The Festival will also host the ‘Doha Film Experience,’ where film education and appreciation is set to take a whole new course, as young jurors from ages 8 to 21, will be given the opportunity to watch 21 short films and eight feature films, under three categories – Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader; ‘Family Weekend,’ promising two days of back-to-back activities, designed to bring the entire family together; the ‘Otaku Exhibition,’ where a number of galleries will showcase the works of various artists and social clubs at the event; and the ‘ Sandbox,’ an interactive space that will inspire and entertain young people with the latest in media and digital technologies, in addition to an enriching array of workshops and screenings.
Tickets are available at the Box Office of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, in The Cultural Village Katara and City Centre. For more details on the programme, please visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com
I didn't realise it was for all ages. I just figured that a Youth Film festival was geared towards the youth.
And that's how it's being written up in the newspaper:
CEO of DFI, Abdulaziz Al Khater, said: “The inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival is a festival for and about young people that will be an important highlight in Qatar’s growing cultural landscape. Ajyal provides young audiences with an opportunity to learn from each other, discuss, debate and contribute to positive changes around them. We are proud to have young people sharing their enthusiasm and developing a deeper appreciation of film. This is their platform – for self-expression and creativity.”
Galinda, have you seen the program? There are LOTS of movies and shorts for adults, as well.
It's nice that there is a kids film festival, but it leaves us adults waiting until next year so that we can see something.