Doha Film Institute showcases exciting homegrown talent at Ajyal

DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI) is showcasing an inspiring selection of stories by Qatar s emerging film talents in the Made in Qatar programme at the...

DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI) is showcasing an inspiring selection of stories by Qatar’s emerging film talents in the Made in Qatar programme at the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival.

One of the most popular programmes at Ajyal, Made in Qatar showcases films by Qatari and Qatar-based talents, and is a testament to the limitless potential of Qatar’s creative community. The selection includes five diverse films that underline the creative progress of the country’s flourishing film industry with two films created with support from the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar.

The jury for this year’s Made in Qatar programme is led by acclaimed Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri and includes Kenyan filmmaker Debra Aroko and Qatari director Amal Al Muftah.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI and Festival Director, said: “ After a successful special screening of Made in Qatar films earlier this year, we are proud to screen five additional new films reflecting the diversity of our nation and the progress of our creative talent to prominence on the world stage. The programme continues to be a cornerstone of Ajyal, providing a platform for homegrown voices to share their unique perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. The selection is a strong representation of the vibrant creative ecosystem that the nation has fostered and a testament to the success of the Institute’s commitment to supporting filmmakers through every step of their creative journey.”

The programme includes I Lay for You to Sleep by Ali Al Hajri, a contemplative experimental narrative that explores the emotional depths of loss and renewal through poetic imagery. As women prepare a body for burial, we follow Ali’s journey through memories and reflections, confronting the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. The film is also screening in the Bader Shorts Competition.