CEO of Doha Film Institute: Ajyal Festival Boosts Cinematic Awareness, Backs Creative Talent.

Doha: CEO of Doha Film Institute (DFI) and 2024 Ajyal Festival Director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said the organization has built a sustainable ecosystem for Arab and independent cinema, underpinned by its commitment to supporting creative expression, particularly during challenging times. According to Qatar News Agency, Alremaihi emphasized during an Ajyal 2024 media briefing that film festivals have become essential platforms for societal change, rather than just venues for entertainment. She remarked, "Film festivals are now more important than ever as they have become the microphone for the people in a world of silence," highlighting that DFI views these festivals as catalysts for positive societal transformation. On the festival's opening night, attendees expressed their appreciation for the unique environment where issues could be voiced openly, a feature they found refreshing and uncommon in other film festivals. Alremaihi elaborated on the mission of film festivals, stating, "Film festivals are there t o make people's lives better, to make societies better. There's a mission behind it. It's not just to bring films to entertain, but to bring films that will impact us." As DFI prepares for the 2025 Doha Film Festival, Alremaihi assured that the organization's core mission and programs would remain steadfast while embracing new opportunities, marking the next stage of their festival and industry evolution. The DFI's efforts in nurturing local talent have yielded significant results, particularly through the Made in Qatar program. This initiative has evolved from showcasing locally-made films to including projects developed in Qatar but produced elsewhere, reflecting DFI's flexible approach to supporting creative talent. A study by Sorbonne University further validated DFI's global impact, identifying Qatar as a leader in supporting women filmmakers at international festivals. Alremaihi pointed out the global reach of DFI's work, asserting, "DFIs impact is now global but we will continue to aim to generate mo re creative power not only for women, but for all underrepresented voices." She emphasized the success of projects like "Ode to Our Land," directed by young Qatari women filmmakers Amal Al Muftah and Rawda Al-Thani, as a testament to the Institute's support for talented local directors. Discussing regional partnerships, Alremaihi expressed pride in bringing the Ajyal Film Club to Morocco for the first time, specifically to the city of Tangier. She praised the Moroccan jurors for their insightful critiques and looks forward to future collaborations. Moreover, she reaffirmed DFI's unwavering support for Palestinian cinema, acknowledging the Institute's 14-year commitment to amplifying important regional stories on a global stage.