DFI CEO and Ajyal festival director Fatma al-Remaihi announces details of the event yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter


Some of the latest technology and equipment used in filmmaking will be showcased at ‘Ajyal Creativity Hub’ which will take place from November 30 to December 5.
Doha Film Institute (DFI) CEO and festival director Fatma al-Remaihi said the hub offers a unique interactive out-of-cinema environment designed to entertain, educate and inspire creativity and innovation.
“There will be a range of activities for different age groups and entry is free,” she explained.
Besides participating in specially curated workshops, performances and fun-filled activities, guests and visitors will have the chance to discover media arts and world cultures at the hub’s Sandbox digital exhibition space located at Katara’s building 13.
Featured in the past two editions of Ajyal, the Sandbox allows visitors to see and use some of the latest digital gadgets and technologies in filmmaking. It features futuristic installations, educational games, applications and new tools which create fascinating effects that enthrall viewers.
This year, some of the activities at the Sandbox include creating graffiti with water, music with sticky notes and creating an immersive virtual world for participants. They will be allowed to recreate their favourite moments within the interactive playground.
The hub will also host the ‘Geekdom: Video Game Exhibition’ which gives video gamers and Qatari collectors to share their interests with other enthusiasts and players.
A number of tournaments will be organised to test gamers’ skills and wit such as the Pokemon, FIFA, and Super Smash Bros. A Cosplay competition is also expected to be a big hit for all anime fans.
In collaboration with DFI and Qatar Animation Centre, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will hold a four-day workshop for video gamers “to learn everything they need to know to start developing their own video games.”
Another key component of the hub also includes the ‘2015 Family Weekend,’ a special programme from December 3-5 dedicated for all: from parents to children and people of all ages.
Described as a ‘weekend of fun,’ al-Remaihi said people will enjoy in a wide range of fun-filled activities focusing on the environment and healthy lifestyles. These include games, face painting, 5D cinema simulator experience, musical concerts, sports activities and cultural performances.
The Family Weekend invites talented performers to take part in the concerts. The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, featured in the documentary Landfill Harmonic, will also perform on December 3, including a jazz rendition of a nine-year-old Norwegian YouTube sensation.
A cine-concert of live music by Festival Tout-Petits Cinema to accompany four short animated films will be part of the highlights.