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• Ajyal jurors joined virtual interaction with H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, DFI Chairperson
• Festival Jury to engage with the special guests through a series of inspiring and interactive discussions on the Ajyal digital platform

Doha, Qatar; November 15, 2020: The Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) 8th Ajyal Film Festival, held this year from November 18- 23 in an adapted format, celebrates youth development through inspiring discussions with internationally renowned personalities in film, arts and humanities, including H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of the Doha Film Institute and Qatar Museums.

As part of the Festival’s mission to inspire the next generation to think creatively as agents of positive change, the Ajyal 2020 jury had the opportunity to interact with international arts and culture visionary, H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. H.E inspired jurors with her approach to establishing Qatar as a leading global cultural destination, and the impact of art and culture in national development. In her interaction with the jurors, H.E reiterated the central message of her 2012 TED talk on ‘globalising the local and localising the global’, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s passions, history and culture. She encouraged the youth to experiment and learn across disciplines to forge their own identity as artists and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “ We are very fortunate to provide the Ajyal 2020 jury the opportunity to engage with international arts and culture visionary, H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the other esteemed guests. In sharing their deep expertise with the next generation of young creative leaders, our guests further DFI’s mission to empower youth to forge bold paths and to amplify their unique voices.”

“We are honoured to have them share their inspiring journeys with our jurors on the Ajyal digital platform, and are confident their multifaceted perspectives will round off the Jury experience of a shared space for appreciation for the importance of the arts and creative expression.”

Special guests from various artistic and cultural fields to share their expertise at this year’s Festival include: American actor and comedian Zach Woods, known as a series regular in The Office and Silicon Valley; Indian actor and humanitarian Kunal Kapoor; Croatian actor Goran Bogdan, who has appeared in American and English films and series including Fargo; Canadian actress Saara Chaudry, who won the ACTRA Award for Best Voice Performance in The Breadwinner; and Claudio Gubitosi, Founder and Director of the Giffoni Film Festival.

Tickets for the 8th Ajyal Film Festival are now available for online purchase. For up-to-date information and ticket purchase please visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com/festival.

2020 Ajyal Film Festival’s Official Partners include: Katara Cultural Village Foundation – Cultural Partner; Qatar National Tourism Council – Principal Partner; Novo Cinemas, Ooredoo – Strategic Partner, Msheireb Properties, Lusail, Qatari Diar – Signature Sponsors.