Doha: Doha Film Institute (DFI) on Monday announced the programme of the 2024 edition of Ajyal Film Festival which will be organized under the theme ‘Moments that Matter’. To be held from November 16 to 23, Ajyal 2024 will feature a selection of 66 thought-provoking films from 42 countries depicting themes that will resonate with and inspire audiences with stories of resilience, hope and community empowerment. Events will be held across key locations, including Katara, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Lusail and VOX Cinemas Doha Festival City.
According to Qatar News Agency, Ajyal 2024 will open with an inspiring feature documentary that highlights youth activism to transform society through cultural advocacy, poetry, and unity. A Doha Film Institute supported film, “Sudan, Remember Us” (Tunisia, France, Qatar) directed by emerging female director Hind Meddeb presents a masterful depiction of compelling young activists in their fight for freedom using words, poems, and chants. The film aptly conveys the power of dreams
, hope, and creativity to challenge oppressive forces.
At the official press conference of Ajyal 2024, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, emphasized the power of art as a form of defiance. She stated that despite the horrific human suffering in the region, art fuels the determination to protect and promote genuine human understanding, compassion, and empathy. Alremaihi stressed that Ajyal serves as a crucial platform where stories can bridge divides and reinforce shared humanity, helping us all move towards lasting peace.
In remarks to QNA, Alremaihi highlighted the importance of celebrating the Cultural Year Qatar-Morocco 2024, acknowledging Morocco’s long history of cinema. She revealed that during the Ajyal Film Club’s special edition in Tangier, organized in cooperation with the Nawaat Foundation and the Tangier Film Association, rising talents were showcased, and the festival will extend its presence to other countries as part of the Cultural Y
ears initiative.
Film Programmer at DFI, Sheikha Rawda Al-Thani, detailed the festival’s ‘Made in Qatar’ programme, which includes five films by Qatari directors and residents, reflecting the country’s diversity. Ajyal 2024 will also introduce a new initiative, Made in Qatar Youth, to equip emerging talents with essential filmmaking skills.
As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, the festival will present the Made in Morocco programme, offering an insightful look at Moroccan life through six short films exploring themes of tradition, identity, and societal change. The Special Screenings programme will showcase cinematic experiences that celebrate culture and inspire all abilities, featuring renowned Cambodian director Rithy Panh’s project “Meeting with Pol Pot” and other notable works.
Ajyal 2024 will also host a special screening of the animated feature “Flow” by Gints Zilbalodis for young guests from Palestine in Qatar. Distinguished guests this year include actors and filmmakers such as Saleh
Bakri, Hiam Abbas, Khaled El Nabwy, and others from around the world.
The festival will present an adapted screening of “Ode to Our Land” for people with hearing, visual, or speech comprehension challenges, in collaboration with the Translation and Interpreting Institute at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Additionally, the “Voices from Palestine” film series will document Palestinian experiences of loss, survival, and resistance, including works like “Undr” by Kamal Aljafari and “Janin Jenin” by Mohamed Bakri.
Ajyal 2024 will highlight the Intaj: From Ground Zero Experience at Msheireb Properties, showcasing 22 short films capturing life in Gaza. Open-air screenings return with Cinema Under the Stars and Cinema by the Sea, featuring family-friendly classics. Lusail Boulevard will host the “Geekend” event from November 20 to 23, celebrating pop culture and creativity during the festival.