A lineup of 70 'thought-provoking films' from 33 countries will be the highlight of this year’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival, scheduled from November 30 to December 5, at Katara – the Cultural Village.

Presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), the fourth edition of the festival will showcase 24 features and 46 short narratives and documentaries that aim to inspire and send a positive message to the youth.
“We are engaging them with compelling and meaningful films that enhance their awareness of the world around them, and inspires them to see humanity from fresh perspectives,” DFI chief executive officer Fatma al-Remaihi said.
She said the films will stimulate discussions about relevant issues that affect the youth globally such as women empowerment, displacement crisis, loss of loved ones, separation and daily struggles, and financial dependence.
The festival this year will also feature 42 public screenings, 18 jury screenings, interactive panels and masterclasses, red carpets, exhibitions and family activities.
The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) premiere of Otto Bell’s ‘The Eagle Huntress,’ an inspiring Mongolian adventure that portrays a strong bonding of a father and his daughter, will take centre-stage at Ajyal’s opening.
The festival will conclude with the screening of Michaël Dudok de Wit’s The Red Turtle, also a Mena premiere described as “a wordless wonder.”
“With our theme on social change and transformation, we have carefully curated a programme that urges audiences to understand the power that lies in every human being to make a positive difference,” al-Remaihi said.
The festival also features 18 documentary films that underline the importance of the art form to promote social change throughout its history. Some 27 films to be screened are directed and produced by women. A total of 14 feature films from 17 countries and a series of short film programmes will compete and vie for prestigious awards, which will be decided by more than 500 jurors from the ages of 8 to 21 who make up the Ajyal Competition Jury.
The young jurors will watch and analyse a dynamic programme of films under three competitive sections – Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader – followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and question and answer sessions with filmmakers.
This year’s Jury includes a delegation of 24 international jurors from 10 countries. Ajyal will also highlight the works of local filmmakers and those who call Qatar home for the ‘Made in Qatar’ section.
“The festival is introducing ‘Midnight Screenings’ strand and will also bring the inclusive screening of The Idol by Hany Abu-Assad, presented in a ‘trans-adapted’ version to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” DFI added.
Deputy festival director Reem Saleh, senior programmer and resident filmmaker Chadi Zeibeddine, and chief administrative officer Abdulla al-Musallam were also present at the press conference.