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• Youth aged 8-25 are now invited to join the internationally acclaimed Ajyal Jury programme scheduled from November 11-23
• Unique youth development initiative celebrates its 8th edition with a hybrid event that will continue to inspire creative interaction and promote cultural understanding

Doha, Qatar; 24 August 2020: 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 18 – 23 November in a new hybrid format that extends the spirit of Ajyal into a virtual space for immersive creative expression and community.

Building on the immense success of the Ajyal Film Festival and its reputed jury programme that welcomes over 550 jurors annually, 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 8-25 are invited to the Ajyal Jury Competition programme running from the 11-23 of November and be part of an invaluable cultural experience and explore the exciting world of cinema through curated film screenings, workshops and discussions.

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, Ajyal Jury in three age-groups from 8 to 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.

To register for the Ajyal Jury programme visit: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/ajyaljury. The last date for applications is October 31, 2020 and a registration fee of 50 QAR is required to confirm interest. Participants can avail of an early bird discounted fee of QAR 150 for applications received before 20 September. For more information or queries, email: ajyaljury@dohafilminstitute.com.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “At a time of uncertainty and physical separation, we take great pride in our global Ajyal community and its collective belief that art and film are here to comfort and inspire each of us. As we reimagine one of our annual flagship events in and for this extraordinary time, DFI is presenting an adapted festival edition that will continue to celebrate the essence of Ajyal and its commitment to youth development. 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.”

“An invaluable exchange of culture and learning through film, Ajyal’s acclaimed jury programme is a truly eye-opening experience that empowers the youth and encourages them to assume active roles within their communities. Ajyal over the years has given the youth an opportunity to explore new horizons of creative and cultural understanding. Now more than ever, youth engagement across physical and cultural divides is essential to instilling a sense of empowerment in our future and bringing us closer together as a global community.”

Categorized in three competition segments – Mohaq (ages 8-12), Hilal (ages 13-17) and Bader (ages 18-25), the Ajyal Jurors evaluate a curated film programme including feature films and short films appropriate to their age brackets. Being an Ajyal Juror is a highly creative learning experience that instils an appreciation of cinema as well as the values of teamwork, critical thinking and leadership.

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.