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• First-ever Ajyal Drive-in Cinema in Lusail presented in partnership with Qatar National Tourism Council
• Cultural Partner Katara Cultural Village Foundation to host festival from 18-23 November
• Strategic Partner Ooredoo returns to present Made in Qatar programme
• Msheireb Properties joins as Signature Sponsor to host art exhibition ‘Outbreak’

Doha, Qatar; 12a November 2020: The first-ever hybrid edition of the Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) from 18-23 November, returns in its 8th edition in partnership with leading private and public sector organisations in Qatar and beyond to bring youth together in a new virtual space of creative understanding and development.

Ajyal Film Festival 2020 continues its long-standing partnership with Katara Cultural Village Foundation as its Cultural Partner and Qatar National Tourism Council as this year’s Principal Partner and host of the inaugural Ajyal drive-in cinema experience in Lusail. Strategic Partners, Ooredoo and Novo Cinemas return to Ajyal to build on the successful collaborations and inspire community engagement in film. Signature Sponsor Msheireb Properties comes on board this year to host the ‘Outbreak’ art exhibition at Sikkat Wadi, as part of the Festival’s initiative to expand audience access to key Ajyal events across the city.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “Over the years, Ajyal Film Festival has extended a shared space for appreciation of cinematic arts and creative expression while creating significant economic impact across Qatar’s entertainment, retail and leisure sectors. We are deeply grateful for our steadfast partners, especially in these times of adversity, as they continue to help shape the success of Ajyal and reinforce its important role in youth development.”

“Ajyal Film Festival is a source of great pride for us as residents of Qatar. Year after year, the strong support of our community and our partners makes it possible to continue to deliver a Festival full of new surprises and experiences. At this time of uncertainty and physical separation, it is even more essential to continue to foster these important connections and trust our youth to transcend current challenges to continue to build a brighter future.”

For the third consecutive year, Made in Qatar presented by Ooredoo returns to Ajyal to amplify talented young voices in the country’s growing film community. A total of 16 narrative and documentary films by filmmakers who call Qatar home will compete for the prestigious Made in Qatar Awards 2020.

This year’s Signature Sponsors include Msheireb Properties, host of the art exhibition ‘Outbreak’ in Msheireb Downtown Doha and Qatari Diar as venue partners to the first-ever Ajyal drive-in cinema in Lusail; while Sony (Official Electronics Partner), Fifty One East and FNAC join as Contributing Sponsors to deliver an unforgettable Festival experience.

Festival Media Partners include Qatar TV and beIN MEDIA GROUP, the leading global sports and entertainment group. Official Promoters of the 2020 Festival include I Love Qatar, Qatar Living, 106.3 FM Radio Olive & 91.7 FM Radio Suno and What’s Goin on Qatar. Friends of the Festival include L’Institut Français du Qatar, Qatar Gaming Communities, Giffoni Opportunity, the Translation and Interpreting Institute part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mawata, Qatar Museums, Qatar Children’s Museum, Years of Culture, Sundance TV, talabat, VIRTUOCITY and VOX Cinemas.

Opening new path of mutual understanding and connection, Ajyal 2020 will bring together youth from Qatar and beyond in cinematic dialogue that recognises the potential of film as a tool for significant social impact. The event will culminate in the Ajyal Awards, whose winning titles are determined by the Ajyal Jury – an internationally acclaimed programme open to youth aged 8 to 25.