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• Youths aged 8-21 are invited to cast their vote at one-of-a-kind film event in the region

Doha, Qatar; 25 September 2019: In the lead up to the 2019 edition of the Ajyal Film Festival, the Doha Film Institute (DFI) is accepting juror applications from youths from Qatar and the region, who want to explore the exciting world of cinema and assume a leading voice in the Ajyal Competition awards.

Now in its seventh edition, Ajyal Film Festival 2019 will take place from 18 – 23 November at Katara Cultural Village, with the Ajyal Jury Competition programme running from the 17-23. DFI’s annual signature event is an immersive celebration of community and the permeating power of film for audiences of all ages, and the internationally acclaimed jury programme brings over 550 jurors from more than 50 countries to Qatar for an invaluable exchange of culture.

In a fun and collaborative environment, Ajyal Jury in three age-groups from 8 to 21 evaluate the films showcased at the festival and discover cinema not just from the perspective of entertainment but as a medium that can bring about positive social change.

To register for the Ajyal Jury programme visit: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/ajyaljury. The last date for application is October 30, 2019. Starting from this year, DFI is introducing a registration fee of 50 QAR, in addition to a 450 QAR administration fee at the time of final juror selection, as part of its continued efforts to grow and enhance the programme. For more information or queries, email: ajyaljury@dohafilminstitute.com.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “We are exceptionally proud of our Ajyal Jury programme, an initiative that puts the responsibility on our youth to understand the power that lies in each and every human being to make a positive difference. Ajyal aims to empower youth to voice their valuable ideas and opinions and enhances their awareness of the world around them, encouraging them to assume active roles within their communities. We can’t thank them enough for being an integral part of this inspiring journey.

“The repeated success of Ajyal has meant that in 2019, we had to plan for an increase in the capacity of the jury programme, allowing for more jurors to be a part of this unique experience. Ajyal over the years has given the youth an opportunity to explore new horizons of creative and cultural understanding, and we look forward to welcoming our champions for this year, to learn from one another and create a positive change far beyond Ajyal.”

Categorized in three competition segments – Mohaq (ages 8-12), Hilal (ages 13-17) and Bader (ages 18-21), the Ajyal Jurors watch a diverse programme of feature films and short films from across the globe that help raise awareness of global issues, cultures and values. Being an Ajyal Juror is a highly creative learning experience that instils an appreciation of cinema as well as the values of teamwork, critical thinking and leadership.

Last year more than 550 jurors of 54 nationalities served as Ajyal Jurors, who had access to specially curated workshops, daily film screenings, jury discussions, opportunities to interact with global filmmakers and a range of events and activities that inspire creative interaction and stimulate cinematic dialogue.

The Festival also presents daily public screenings, special presentations, Cinema Under the Stars, in-depth discussions through the Ajyal Talks series, among others. More details on the seventh annual Ajyal Film Festival will be announced in due course. Last year, the festival screened 81 films from 36 countries, including 23 feature films and 58 short films, illustrating the ability of storytelling to transcend borders, transform minds and touch hearts.

For more information or queries, email: ajyaljury@dohafilminstitute.com or visit: dohafilminstitute.com