The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has launched ‘The Ajyal Show’, a bilingual podcast curated by Ajyal Film Festival alumni and Institute interns in Qatar. The podcast aims to bring communities together through the power of film, bridging cultures and connecting aspiring creatives, storytellers, and cinema enthusiasts with insights from local and regional experts. The show features engaging discussions on the art of storytelling and cinema’s role in addressing global issues, highlighting DFI’s diverse ecosystem.
The CEO of DFI, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, emphasizes the importance of empowering young people in the film industry. The Ajyal Film Festival and its renowned jury program have laid the foundation for The Ajyal Show, showcasing the collaborative and inclusive initiatives needed to empower the next generation of original thinkers. The podcast, moderated by Moza Al Hajri, offers new perspectives on key contemporary issues affecting humanity through cinema. Moza, a champion of culture, education, and youth empowerment, engages with influential guests to uncover impactful narratives.
The first episode of The Ajyal Show features Yemeni-Russian journalist and filmmaker Mariam Al Dhubhani, who discovered her path to filmmaking through a DFI workshop. The episode focuses on the healing and transformative power of storytelling on communities and individuals, highlighting how cinema became a means for Mariam to confront and overcome challenges. The podcast is available to stream on the Ajyal Film YouTube channel, with new episodes released every two weeks.
Season 1 of The Ajyal Show includes inspiring episodes with local and regional guests such as filmmaker Amal Al Muftah, writer and art director Fahad Al Kuwari, producer Jana Wehbe, filmmaker Noor Al Nasr, and animation mentor Fadi Syriani. The podcast aims to showcase the magnetic energy and innovative spirit of Qatar’s creative community, using the collective voice of these individuals to drive positive change in the world. Through engaging discussions and insightful narratives, The Ajyal Show aims to empower the next generation of creatives and storytellers to make a difference in the film industry and beyond.
