Kummam (Kemz) Al Maadeed, www.kemzmovies.com

‘The Boy and the World’

As this year’s Qatar Year of Culture comes to an end, we celebrate our relationship with Brazil and the Ajyal Youth Film Festival presents its final Brazilian cinema showcase with the internationally award-winning animated marvel, Alê Abreu’s ‘The Boy and the World’.

It’s the story of young Cuca, who lives peacefully on a farm. One day, his father has to travel to the city to find a job. Soon, Cuca wants to find his father, so he embarks on a journey that will take him into the harsh reality of the outside world.

The film uses a very creative and colourful animation style to reflect on its environmental and mass-consumption issues. With no words, no dialogue, the director manages to deliver his message with just the animation. It really makes you think, especially given how the more Cuca moves into the city, the more factories there are and the more consumer products litter the ground. The biggest message is delivered in the end, but I won’t ruin it for you – see it for yourself and enjoy!

Ice Cream

The Qatar Year of Culture in 2015 will be shared with Turkey, so in order to start the next year’s Cinema Showcase, Ajyal also screens this Turkish short, ‘Ice Cream’ by Serhat Karaaslan.

It’s the story of 11-year-old Rojhat, who lives in a small village in Turkey and enjoys his daily activities with the rest of the kids. Then one day the ice cream man pays the village a visit.

The short is entertaining as we follow Rojhat and his mischief in finding ways to pay for his ice cream. It actually brought me fun memories of when the ice-cream truck used to come to our neighbourhood. I think anyone who has those kinds of memories will relate to this film. It’s a lot of fun and it certainly makes me look forward to the Turkish screenings next year!

‘The Boy and the World’ and ‘Ice Cream’ screen together at the Ajyal Youth Film Festival at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, 3 December at the Katara Opera House (K16-OH). The screening is free of charge, but please click here to reserve a ticket in advance.