The 12th edition of the Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), opened on a powerful note, reaffirming cinema’s role in illuminating global human struggles and fostering empathy.
This year’s theme, ‘Moments that Matter,’ strikes a deep chord as the region witnesses unprecedented suffering, underscoring how every fleeting moment can carry the weight of a lifetime. The festival kicked off in the presence of over 600 young jurors from across the globe, alongside distinguished guests and cinematic talents.
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A Distinguished Gathering
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater; HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari; HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani; HE Chairman of Media City Qatar Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani; Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport Hamad Ali Al Khater; and CEO of Media City Qatar Engr Jassim Mohamed Al Khori. Several ambassadors accredited to Qatar also graced the event.
Solidarity with Gaza and Sudan
HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater paid tribute to the resilience of women in Sudan and expressed solidarity with the suffering in Gaza, particularly that of children. She presented an honorary award to Mahmoud Ajour, a young child from Gaza who was brought to Doha for medical treatment after losing both hands. The award symbolises the courage and hope of all children in Gaza, who continue to endure the horrors of war while dreaming of a brighter future.
Ajyal’s Evolution and Vision
In her moving address, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute and Festival Director, reflected on Ajyal’s journey since its inception in 2013 and revealed plans for the 2025 Doha Film Festival. She emphasised the event’s mission to amplify the dreams and aspirations of filmmakers worldwide.
Alremaihi also recalled the Institute’s decision to pause Ajyal last year due to the devastating events in Gaza. She stated, ‘The horror and sheer scale of destruction and massacres was mind-numbing tragedies that heartbreakingly continue to this day, and have expanded to Lebanon. Despite the cancellation, we organised and curated films and discussions to present the “Voices from Palestine” programme. Witnessing the catastrophe in Gaza taught us that every moment matters, for it could be the last. It also made us see the fundamental truth that we have the ability to channel the power of cinema to do good. We decided to confront the catastrophe and dared to imagine holding Ajyal in Gaza itself. It unfolded in three stages with 90 young jurors in Gaza watching films made in Qatar, with their votes to be announced on the closing day. They join over 550 other young Ajyal jurors from around the world to empower youth through cinema.’
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Cinematic Highlights and Global Talent
The ceremony also welcomed cultural leaders, artists, and notable figures, including Palestinian actors Saleh Bakri and director Mohamad Bakri; Turkish actors Esra Bilgiç and Birkan Sokullu; Sudanese musician Mustafa the Poet; Palestinian musician Anees; and Tunisian director Hind Meddeb.
The event concluded with the screening of Sudan, Remember Us (Tunisia, France, Qatar), a DFI-supported documentary directed by Hind Meddeb. The film vividly captures the fight for freedom through the voices of Sudanese youth, expressed in words, poems, and chants.
Explore: Ajyal 2024 Film Catalogue
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