What is Ajyal?

Ajyal Film Festival is an annual celebration of film that is designed to nurture minds across generations and support the development of thoughtful future leaders. ‘Ajyal’ is Arabic for ‘generations’, as it brings people of all ages together through screenings and events that inspire creative interaction and stimulate cinematic dialogue. The festival’s internationally acclaimed jury programme connects young people between the ages of 8 and 25 for an invaluable exchange of culture and learning through film. Ajyal’s programming philosophy urges audiences to view film not just from the perspective of entertainment but as a medium that can bring about positive social change and understand the power that lies in each human being.

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What is the Ajyal Jury Programme?

As a member of the Ajyal Jury, you watch films, discuss with fellow-jurors and film experts, vote for the winners of the Ajyal Film Festival, and use your energy to bring about positive change far beyond Ajyal.

As an Ajyal Juror, you will:

1. Watch short and feature-length films from all over the world.
2. Vote for your favourite films and choose the Ajyal Competition winners.
3. Meet internationally renowned and thought-provoking guests.
4. Attend online workshops and masterclasses on filmmaking techniques and film language.

This programme is divided into three jury sections:
Mohaq: Ages 8 – 12
Hilal: Ages 13 – 17
Bader: Ages 18 – 25

The programme will be presented in both English and Arabic, with all films subtitled accordingly. Each jury section has a bespoke programme created especially for them, with relevant themes, activities, and films. Selected jurors will only have access to the elements in their age-specific programme. Upon successful completion of the programme, jurors will receive a Certificate of Appreciation.

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What are the dates and timings of the Ajyal Jury Programme?

The programme takes place from 7 – 19 November, running in the afternoon for approximately 2 hours per day during the week, with extended hours on the weekends.

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Who can apply?

If you are between 8 and 25 years old and live in Qatar, you are welcome to register for this programme.

If you do not currently live in Qatar, please contact us at ajyaljury@dohafilminstitute.com and we will provide you with more information on if and how you can participate. Please do not directly register yourself.

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How can I register?

To register as an Ajyal juror, simply complete an application by clicking the ‘Register’ button below..

For your application you will need:

1. A portrait photo of yourself to upload
2. A photo/scan of your Qatar ID or Passport to upload
3. A credit card to make the one-time participation fee
4. If you are under 21, you will need your parent/guardian to digitally sign your online consent form

You can register here

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What fees are involved in registering and participating?

We have simplified the payment process into a one-time fee, which for local (Qatar-based) jurors is just 250 QAR. We also offer the following great value discounts:

1. Early bird fee for those who register before 22 September
2. Sibling discount for multiple siblings participating together
3. QM Culture Pass members

These fees are put to judicious use and enable us to bring you world-class film talent, industry experts, educational workshops and critically acclaimed, thought-provoking films.

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How do I qualify for the reduced early bird participation fee?

If you register before 22 September, you will automatically be given the reduced early bird participation fee of 150 QAR.

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How do I qualify for the sibling or QM Culture Pass discount?

If you and your sibling(s) are taking part in the Ajyal Jury Programme this year, you qualify for a reduced fee of 200 QAR per participant. Please be sure to spell your family names in the same way so we can easily identify you as siblings.

If you hold a QM Culture Pass card, you also qualify for the reduced fee of 200 QAR. You will be asked to show your QM Culture Pass card if you select this discount option.

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How has the Ajyal Jury Programme been adapted for this year?

In light of the current global situation, DFI is presenting an adapted festival edition this November with most activities running online, and the possibility of in-person gatherings at Katara, through select film screenings and events for our jurors. For all jury sections, the physical and online programmes take place simultaneously. Only select screenings/events can be attended physically; therefore, there will be no gathering areas / Jurors’ Hub or catering this year.

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What do I need to participate as a juror?

You will need access to a laptop or tablet, with a reliable internet connection.

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Will I be able to watch my selected films online at any time?

Like previous years, all the jurors will watch their films at the same time, even if the screening is online. If you miss your scheduled screening slot, you will not be able to access the film at another time.

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How much of the programme will I need to physically attend?

To ensure everyone’s safety, jurors will have access to some select film screenings and events in the theatre. These will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. All events will take place under strict social distancing rules to ensure the safety of everyone.

Please note, for Mohaq and Hilal jurors, parents will be required to drop their child directly to the theatre doors. Unaccompanied jurors will not be granted access to the building.

The above is subject to change at DFI’s discretion based on government directives at the time.

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If I do not feel comfortable attending the screenings in person, can I still participate?

While you may be invited to attend a screening/event in a theatre, these will also be available online. So, if you are uncomfortable or have a medical condition that inhibits you from attending in person, you can still take part as a juror through our online platform.

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