Kids’ Special Screening enchants and Ajyal talks showcase inspires at 8th Ajyal Film Festival
The first-ever hybrid edition of the 8th Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) is underway and the festival features an inspiring selection of 80 films from 46 countries representing timeless tales of community and determination, highlighting the innocence of youth and an enduring optimism through cinema.
Pushing the limits of creativity and paving new paths, Ajyal 2020 introduced drive-in cinema in Lusail as part of a multisensory experience for all ages.
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On November 20, Ajyal 2020 hosted its annual Kids’ Special Screening with a spectacular open-air event at the new drive-in cinema.
The Festival’s compelling cinematic and cultural programme for audiences of all ages also featured Libyan international humanitarian hero Dr. Alaa Murabit as part of this year’s virtual Ajyal Talks showcase.
Bringing together children in their favorite prince and princess costumes, this year’s Kids’ Special Screening celebrated the 70th year of Disney’s beloved animated classic Cinderella (USA/1950) by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske.
‘In Conversation with Dr. Alaa Murabit’ gave audiences unique insights into the definition and articulation of change and success in today’s world.
In the virtual discussion, Dr. Murabit touched on how her move to Libya as a 15-year-old teenager presented a new challenge and helped her grow through discomfort to ultimately redefine her own understanding of success.
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Celebrated as a ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ and one of Canada’s 100 most impactful women in history, Dr. Murabit serves as an advisor to organizations such as the UN Women Global Advisory Board and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). She is one of 17 Global Sustainable Development Goal Advocates appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
“I highly recommend placing yourself in uncomfortable positions in life - where you are not always heard or acknowledged – as they can be incredibly powerful for your own leadership. Through these situations, you will learn how to negotiate with people and how to recognize their diversity,” Dr. Murabit said.
“Whether you want to pursue academic research, speak out on important issues or teach – it’s important to ask yourself: Where do you feel the most effective to change the world? No matter which path you choose, you need a genuine sense of compassion in the way you communicate with others”, she added.
“Maybe success is putting yourself on the line to give people who are not in the room a voice, looking at stories that haven’t been told yet, or empowering people who are generally powerless. Maybe success looks different in today’s world because the world has changed from the one our parents grew up in. It would be a shame to live in a time of incredible access and not change our own definition of success – and of ourselves”, she concluded.
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Through its special screenings and the Ajyal Talks showcase, Ajyal 2020 brings together audiences at home and at select venues across Qatar to inspire and unite the community through the Festival’s innovative multidisciplinary creative programmes.
Find out more and stream the full selection of Ajyal short and feature films at ajyalfilm.com.
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