The 12th “Ajyal” Film Festival kicked off on Saturday in Doha, showcasing films from 42 countries, including Morocco.
Organized by the Doha Film Institute under the theme “The Moments That Shape Us,” the festival opened with the screening of “Sudan, Souviens-Toi” (Sudan, Remember Us) a poignant documentary by Hind Meddeb that highlighted resilience and humanity through cinema.
Morocco’s participation in the festival is featured under the “Made in Morocco” program, presenting contemporary short films that reflect the country’s cultural and social diversity. Notable Moroccan films include “L’épouventail” (The Scarecrow) by Anas Zemati, “Pourquoi As-Tu Laissé Le Cheval À Sa Solitude?” (Why Did You Leave The Horse Alone? by Faouzi Bensaïdi, and “Ayyur” (Moon) by Zineb Wakrim.
The festival includes a range of activities such as interactive debates, a cinematic exhibition, and Qatar’s major cultural event, “Geekend”. It also features inclusive screenings like “Ode to Our Land” by Amal Al Muftah and Rawda Al Thani, which are adapted for persons with disabilities, showcasing cinema’s role in fostering inclusion.
Additionally, the event highlights Palestinian voices through the “Voices from Palestine” program, showcasing films that delve into the struggles of life under occupation.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Director of the Festival and CEO of the Doha Film Institute discussed Ajyal’s growth since its inception in 2013 and shared plans for the festival in 2025, highlighting its role in supporting filmmakers worldwide.