Doha Film Institute (DFI) will open Ajyal Film Festival 2024 with ‘Sudan, Remember Us’ by Hind Meddeb, a powerful and timely documentary marking resilience and humanity through cinema, at Qatar’s much-anticipated annual gathering of global cinema, creativity, and cultural storytelling.
Ajyal attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the powerful role that storytelling and cinema play in bridging cultures and inspiring empathy across borders.
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A Doha Film Institute supported film, ‘Sudan, Remember Us’, directed by emerging female director Hind Meddeb, is a masterful depiction of compelling young activists in their fight for freedom using words, poems, and chants.
The inspiring documentary delves deep into the untold stories of Sudan, bringing forward young voices of resilience, dignity, and hope in the face of turmoil, and highlights the strength of the Sudanese people in their struggle for peace and unity. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, and aptly conveys the power of dreams, hope, and creativity to challenge oppressive forces.
‘Opening Ajyal with “Sudan, Remember Us” reflects our commitment to bring light to regions often overlooked and amplify voices that embody the resilience and strength of the human spirit,’ said Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute and Ajyal Festival Director.
She continued, ‘Ajyal is a festival that honours hope, courage, and shared humanity, and this documentary epitomises those values, reminding us all of the power of cinema to raise awareness, inspire compassion, and foster unity. Ajyal Film Festival is known for bringing together global artists and film lovers to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore new perspectives, and celebrate the transformative power of storytelling.’
This year’s edition promises a diverse programme that will resonate with audiences of all ages, bringing communities together to experience the many inspiring and thought-provoking stories that await.
Made in Qatar Programme
DFI is also showcasing an inspiring selection of stories by Qatar’s emerging film talents in the Made in Qatar programme at the Ajyal Film Festival 2024.
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The programme includes:
‘I Lay for You to Sleep’ (Qatar, 2024)
By Ali Al Hajri
A contemplative experimental narrative that explores the emotional depths of loss and renewal through poetic imagery. As women prepare a body for burial, we follow Ali’s journey through memories and reflections, confronting the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. The film is also screening in the Bader Shorts Competition.
‘Alkaline’ (Qatar, 2024)
By Paul Abraham and Abdulla Al-Hor
This film highlights the complex interplay between personal choices, family expectations and how fear can shape relationships in profound ways. Presenting how a father’s health scare changes his life and creates a rift with his son, the film journeys through the conversations and self-reflection by the son to bridge the divide. The film, in Malayalam and English, was created with support from the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar.
‘Breshna’ (Qatar, 2024)
By Obada Jarbi
This film narrates the moving story of a survivor of a terrorist attack in Kabul who finds refuge in Qatar. The poignant short film captures her reflection on hope, resilience and the longing for peace as she comes to terms with loss and survival. Through her story, the film offers a deeply personal perspective on displacement and the strength needed to seek a new beginning amidst painful memories.
‘Can You See Me?’ (Qatar, 2024)
By Dhoha Abdelsattar
This follows a lonely woman, Maryam, who is trapped in the cycle of a mundane life that spirals into emotional turmoil until she is forced to confront herself and the possibility of change. This evocative short is a reflective journey through the quiet struggles of inner turmoil, exploring resilience and self-discovery.
‘Cochlea’ (Qatar, 2024)
By Karim Emara
Supported by the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar, this film is about Rokia, a 50-year-old Arab woman who reunites with her twenty-year-old son, Youssef, after six months apart. During their reunion, Rokia insists on performing a ritual she has often imposed on him. Despite his resistance, Youssef begins to understand that his mother’s unusual way of expressing love and care runs deeper than simply wanting him to be clean.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI and Festival Director, said: ‘After a successful special screening of Made in Qatar films earlier this year, we are proud to screen five additional new films reflecting the diversity of our nation and the progress of our creative talent to prominence on the world stage. The programme continues to be a cornerstone of Ajyal, providing a platform for homegrown voices to share their unique perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. The selection is a strong representation of the vibrant creative ecosystem that the nation has fostered and a testament to the success of the Institute’s commitment to supporting filmmakers through every step of their creative journey.’
Ajyal 2024 features 66 thought-provoking films from 42 countries depicting themes that will resonate with and inspire audiences with stories of resilience, hope and community empowerment. The event will also have interactive discussions, inclusive screenings, film exhibition, Qatar’s largest pop-culture event – Geekend. Events will be held across key locations, including Katara, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Lusail and VOX Cinemas Doha Festival City.
Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA)
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