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Doha, Qatar; November 9, 2013: Films, through the lens of Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar their home, are set to take centre stage at the inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute, in its dedicated ‘Made in Qatar’ programme.

With a range of festivities lined up from November 26 to 30, 2013, at The Cultural Village Katara, the Ajyal Youth Film Festival will showcase the works of filmmakers across three segments. The first will feature the works of winners from the Doha Film Institute’s 48-Hour online Family Film Challenge, the second from the 7-Day Filmmaking Challenge, both of which were open to filmmakers from across Qatar and the third which will include the screening of ‘Batal Wa Resalah (The Hero and the Message), produced by Al Rayyan Productions.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director, Ajyal Youth Film Festival, said: “A culmination of the efforts of local filmmakers, the ‘Made in Qatar’ programme at the Ajyal Youth Film Festival will honour the dedication, creativity and unique voice of our homegrown talent in front of a wide audience. The programme will provide viewers with rich insights into the wealth of talent in Qatar. We are dedicated to supporting local filmmakers and to introducing their work to the world.”

Commissioned by Al Rayyan Productions to celebrate Qatar National Day 2012, ‘The Hero and the Message’ tells the fantastical tale of a Qatari brother and sister who travel back in time to witness the founding events of the State of Qatar in the 19th century. The screening on the 29 of November will be followed by a Q&A with the Qatari talents.

The 48-Hour Family Film Challenge will put emerging filmmakers to the test, by launching an online film challenge. Participants in teams of three or four will be tasked to produce a five minute film using mystery prop and catchphrase.

Two winners will be selected from the 48-Hour Family Film Challenge, will be voted for by the audience via dedicated social media outlets. The ‘Made in Qatar’ programme will announce the two winners, followed by screenings of their films during the Ajyal Youth Film Festival.

Tahaddi, the 7-Day Filmmaking Challenge, part of the Gulf Development Unit at the Doha Film Institute, aims to teach the process of creating short films – from conceptualisation right through to execution – in just seven days. Seven of the best films from this year’s Tahaddi programme will be screened as part of the Made in Qatar programme at the Ajyal Youth film Festival. The selection includes, ‘My Hero’ by Nora Al-Subai, ‘Sweet Violence’ by Dana An Natsheh, ‘Tooth Fairy’ by Shaikha Ali, ‘Sonder’ by Ali Al Thani, ‘Al-Koora’ by Amal Al-Muftah, ‘One in Five’ by Jawaher Al Khater and ‘Razfa’ by Ali Al Mehdi

The Ajyal Youth Film Festival builds on the Doha Film Institute’s history of community-based programming. Ajyal invites generations to come together to discuss cinema through events that inspire creative interaction, opening up a fun, collaborative environment where young people can express themselves.