Amplifying voices from Qatar’s growing national film industry, the Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) 9th Ajyal Film Festival will showcase ten inspiring films by Qatari directors and Qatarbased filmmakers as part of the popular Made in Qatar programme presented by Ooredoo.
Unlocking opportunities for emerging home-grown creators to join the global film community, Made in Qatar returns as one of the most highly-anticipated segments of Ajyal. The one-of-a-kind platform for aspiring filmmakers draws on the immersive power of cinema to drive the creation of original and compelling content from our region and foster global understanding through artistic dialogue.
The ten shorts will vie for the Made in Qatar Awards, chosen by a jury including American actress Sheila Vand, Executive Board Member and CEO of Katara Studios Ahmed Al Baker, and Farah Nabulsi, Palestinian-British Oscar-nominated and BAFTA awardwinning filmmaker of The Present, supported by DFI. Continuing to build on DFI’s track-record of showcasing Arab talent to an international audience, Majid Al-Remaihi and Shaima Al-Tamimi set history as the directors of the first Qatari, And Then They Burn The Sea, and Yemeni Don’t Get Too Comfortable films selected for competition at international film events of Locarno and Venice respectively.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “I am extremely proud of the determination, passion, and professionalism of this year’s MIQ class persevering to realise their projects despite the limitations of a global pandemic and the restrictions that came with it. Our home-grown creatives have emerged more impressive than ever, and unequivocally represent the quality and importance of film coming from Qatar and the region. Arab cinema continues on an upward trajectory, leaving its unique imprint in the global film community.
The inspirational and poignant films being created in Qatar and the wider MENA region will further drive the momentum of our regional cinematic ambitions, and more people will take note of the significant global influence.” “It fills me with pride to see the filmmakers of Qatar emboldened to take their narrative into their own hands, and ensure their voices are being heard in an authentic way. The selection includes thought-provoking works by emerging local talent that offer fresh perspectives on life that reflect human hopes, aspirations and challenges.”
The exciting programme line-up includes: Border (Qatar/2021) by Khalifa Al Thani, Fever Dream (Qatar, Poland, USA/2021) by Ania Hendryx Wójtowicz, and Kan Fe Nas (Qatar, Lebanon/2021) by Mohamed Al Hamadi, which was filmed in the aftermath of the tragic explosion that rocked the city of Beirut last August.
