Ajyal Archive Screenings 2024

Explore all the Ajyal Film Festival 2024 screenings

Diplodocus

In a vibrant, comic book-inspired world, Diplodocus, a curious young dinosaur, embarks on a journey to find his missing parents. Guided by newfound friends—a quirky wizard, a zany professor, and a bold pilot—he discovers the incredible truth: they are characters in a comic drawn by the struggling artist Ted. As they journey across imaginative realms, Diplodocus learns the power of believing in oneself, and Ted rediscovers his creative spirit.

Feature Documentary

Sudan, Remember Us

DFI Inclusive Cinema Screening Amid Sudan’s political turmoil, young activists Shajane, Maha, and Muzamil rise against military oppression, wielding poetry and art as powerful tools of resistance. Risking everything, they dream of a civilian-led future for their country. Through chants, poems, and creative expression, they embody the resilience and determination of a generation committed to freedom. Their journey reflects the strength and hope of Sudan’s youth, as they confront brutal realities and pursue justice despite overwhelming obstacles.

Feature Narrative

Brief History of a Family

After a chance incident at school, Wei invites his classmate Shuo into his family’s home. Shuo, reserved and quiet, quickly gains the favour of Wei’s parents, who view him as the model son they always hoped for. As Shuo becomes more integrated into their lives, hidden family tensions and unresolved emotions begin to surface. What starts as a simple friendship turns into a psychological drama that exposes the cracks in a seemingly perfect family dynamic.

Feature Narrative

Flow

In a world ravaged by a great flood, a solitary cat must seek refuge on a boat with other animals. As they sail through mystical, flooded landscapes, the animals—despite their differences—must work together to survive. This visually striking animation follows their journey through danger and discovery, capturing the tension between isolation and collaboration in a world on the brink of collapse. A stunning, dialogue-free experience, the film explores themes of survival, community, and adaptation in a post-catastrophic world.

Feature Documentary

Requiem for a Tribe

Hajar, a 55-year-old woman from the Bakhtiari nomadic tribe in southwestern Iran, faces betrayal by her family as they pressure her to leave her migratory lifestyle and settle in the city. Despite modern challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and a patriarchal society, she refuses to relinquish her flock or her freedom. Through this empathetic portrait, director Marjan Khosravi presents a moving documentary on the clash between tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing world.

Feature Narrative

The Story of Souleymane

In just two days, Souleymane, a young Guinean immigrant, must prepare for an asylum interview that could change his life, all while working as a bicycle courier through the streets of Paris. As he navigates a city both vibrant and indifferent, he encounters countless obstacles—from police scrutiny to social isolation—revealing the immense challenges faced by those who live in the shadows. Through his journey, we witness a powerful story of resilience and the enduring hope for a better future.

Feature Narrative

Through Rocks and Clouds

Feliciano, an 8-year-old alpaca herder, dreams of seeing Peru qualify for the World Cup. However, his small Andean village faces a grave threat: a mining company contaminating the environment and pressuring locals to sell their land. As tensions rise, Feliciano embarks on a desperate search for his missing alpaca, Ronaldo, which leads him deeper into the heart of the conflict. This poignant film reflects the innocence of childhood amidst the harsh realities faced by Indigenous communities in the Andes.

Feature Narrative

Who Do I Belong To

In a remote Tunisian village, Aicha’s quiet life with her husband and youngest son is shattered when her eldest son, Mehdi, returns home from war with a mysterious pregnant wife. As a dark, unsettling presence begins to consume the family, Aicha must confront her love for her children and the terrifying truths that surface. In this poetic and intense drama, themes of family, betrayal, and the shadows of war unfold in a tale that examines the haunting complexities of motherhood.

Feature Documentary

From Ground Zero

A collection of 22 short films created by filmmakers from Gaza, this project provides an intimate glimpse into the daily lives, struggles, and hopes of people living under siege. Each film, ranging from 3 to 6 minutes, offers a unique perspective on survival, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of ongoing conflict. Despite immense challenges, the filmmakers craft powerful stories using a mix of genres, including documentary, fiction, and animation, capturing the untold stories of Gaza’s people.

Feature Narrative

Julie Keeps Quiet

Julie is the star player at an elite tennis academy, living for the game she loves. However, when her coach falls under investigation and is suspended, Julie faces a difficult decision as the club encourages all players to speak up. Instead, she chooses silence, navigating the internal and external pressures placed upon her. As tensions rise, her quiet rebellion becomes a powerful statement about agency, justice, and the emotional toll of staying quiet in a world that demands voices to be heard.

TV Series

The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition

Doha Film Institute and the Ajyal Film Festival are proud to present the exclusive premiere of an episode from The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition Season 2. Powered by Media City Qatar and filmed right here in Qatar—ahead of the official season launch just days away.

Feature Narrative

Block 5

Alma, a 12-year-old girl, moves to a new neighbourhood where her classmate Luna leads a skate gang. The two are bitter rivals until Alma discovers that her father’s company plans to destroy their local playground. Forced to unite with Luna and her gang, Alma sets out to save the cherished green space from being replaced by a parking lot. ‘Block 5’ is a heartfelt story about friendship, community, and fighting for what you believe in.

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