Ajyal Youth Film Festival Opens Tonight at Katara

Doha, November 26 (QNA) - The first Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), opens Tuesday at the Katara Cultural Village. The five-day festival brings together youth to watch a variety of international films and engage in a creative discussion. They will have the opportunity to express themselves on various topics, plots and sub-text has DFI has lined-up 65 films from 30 countries, besides a slew of cultural activities. Marking the culmination of year-round film initiatives, the festival aims to instil a stronger appreciation of film among audiences of all ages, DFI said. DFI CEO Abdulaziz Al Khater said, "The inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival is a festival for and about young people that will be an important highlight in Qatar's growing cultural landscape." "Ajyal provides young audiences with an opportunity to learn from each other, discuss, debate and contribute to positive changes around them." Ajyal Youth Film Festival Director Fatma Al Remaihi said, "Over the next five days, attendees of all ages would be in for an exciting line-up of films and events that aim to encourage dialogue and discussion. "Through Ajyal, we hope to create an environment that will encourage our youth to contribute to the development of quality original content for them. We are confident that the inaugural edition of the festival will unravel the power of film and provide a unique educational experience in a fun and interactive environment." Opening the festival tonight at the Katara Drama Theatre (16) is the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) Premiere of the critically-acclaimed anime film, The Wind Rises (Japan, 2013), by renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. According to DFI, parental guidance is advised for viewers under the age of 15. Individuals under the age of 18 will not be admitted into cinemas unless accompanied by an individual over the age of 18. The Wind Rises along with five anime classics will serve as a tribute to the art and culture of the Japanese art form anime. The festival will also host the 'Doha Film Experience' where young jurors from ages 8 to 21, will have the opportunity to watch 21 short films and eight feature films under three categories- 'Family Weekend', 'Otaku Exhibition', where a number of galleries will showcase the works of various artists and social clubs at the event; and the 'Sandbox', an interactive space that will inspire and entertain young people with the latest in media and digital technologies, in addition to an array of workshops and screenings. The festival also features a two-day Industry Forum that will discuss the importance and influences of media and the impact it has on younger audiences. The 'Our Children First!' forum aims at shedding light on every facet of media through a hands-on approach highlighting the spoken word, rhythm, song, poetry, and technology, in sessions led by experts from the regional and international children and youth media industry, to discuss issues related to the creation of original content for the young. (END