ART EVENT Doha Film Institute’s Second Annual Ajyal Youth Film Festival to be held in December, 2014

‘Ajyal,’ Arabic for 'generations,' brings people of all ages together to experience cinema through events that inspire creative interaction, opening up a fun, collaborative environment where young people can express themselves.

Following the inaugural edition, which showcased over 40 films including shorts, documentaries, and features, the second Ajyal Youth Film Festival will once again bring an outstanding selection of international and local films to Doha audiences.

Ajyal’s youth jury programme, the Doha Film Experience, is the central initiative of the Festival, which provides young jurors from Qatar and the region the opportunity to watch, analyse, and discuss films from all over the world, enabling them to develop critical thinking, self-expression, and appreciation of the artform.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director, said: "The Ajyal Youth Film Festival was launched with the goal to encourage a love of cinema among the young people of our community and provide a space where they can express themselves through culture and creativity. The first edition proved that film can truly bring people together and we were overwhelmed by the positive response from our jurors and festivalgoers. Through the second edition, we will continue to contribute to the growth of Qatar’s film culture with a programme designed to spark young imaginations and inspire the next generation."

After hosting more than 400 young jurors of 45 nationalities through the inaugural Doha Film Experience, the Ajyal Youth Film Festival will once again invite young people between the ages of 8 to 21 to experience the power of cinema by participating in the youth jury.

Festival Director Fatma Al Remaihi with Ajyal 2013 Jurors / Courtesy of Doha Film Institute

A highlight of the Festival will be the ‘Made in Qatar’ segment, which supports homegrown filmmakers from Qatar, by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work.

An audience and community favourite, The Sandbox, an interactive digital space offering access to the latest in film and media technologies, will also be held during the second edition of the Festival. At The Sandbox, audiences can interact, learn, and create their stories using apps, creative tools, and knowledge of hands-on sessions.

The Ajyal Youth Film Festival builds on the Doha Film Institute's history of community-based programming which includes year-round screenings, events and learning initiatives.