Doha: Doha Film Institute (DFI) is inviting filmmakers in Qatar and around the world to submit their films to take part in the ninth edition of the annual Ajyal Film Festival set to take place from November 7 to 19.
“Film submissions are now open for #ajyal21 (November 7-19)! Visit our website and submit your documentary/narrative short/feature films so they can be enjoyed and discussed by our enthusiastic, film-loving audience!” DFI tweeted yesterday.
Continuing to follow safety protocols, the festival will once again be held in hybrid format, with a selection of in-person events and online activities.
Ajyal, an Arabic word for ‘generations’, bridges gaps and bring generations together through activities and events which inspire creative interaction among the various sectors of the regional community.
Last year’s festival, which marked its first-ever hybrid edition, witnessed a diverse programme of 22 features and 58 shorts from 46 countries, including 31 from the Arab World, 30 by women filmmakers and 24 supported by the Institute. It presented an innovative mix of virtual and in-person film screenings, interactive discussions, and the first-ever and highly successful drive-in cinema in Lusail as part of a multisensory experience for all ages.
Like in the previous edition, this year’s festival format includes the Ajyal Competition, as well as the Made in Qatar section.
The Ajyal Competition categories are divided into three sections based on the age of jurors. Mohaq (New Moon) section has jurors aged eight to 12, while Hilal (Crescent) section is for jurors 13 to 17 years old and Bader (Full Moon) for jurors 18 to 25 years old.
In addition there is also the Bariq (Sparkle) section which is composed of a short film programme dedicated to the youngest audience members, with jurors-in-training aged 4 to 7 and their families.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Made in Qatar section which showcases films shot in Qatar or made by individuals of any nationality who currently reside in Qatar. Submissions for Ajyal Competition close on August 11and for Made in Qatar section on August 23, according to DFI’s website.
Earlier, DFI said Ajyal 2021 will again feature the ever-popular Ajyal Creativity Hub set to delight families with a multisensory extravaganza that combines film, art and music. It will present Geekdom, Qatar’s largest and one-of-a-kind pop culture event; Ajyal Talks, gathering leaders from film, art, television, and technology for inspiring and insightful discussions; and Ajyal Tunes, celebrating the country’s musical talents through a mix of online initiatives and in-person concerts.
Guests can also look forward to the Ajyal Exhibition series that present works of art by emerging and accomplished local artists, it added.
