Qatari film community and international movers and shakers turn out in full-force.

In an evening that brought high profile members of the community out to show their support for Qatar’s cultural resilience and creativity, the opening of the 5th Ajyal Youth Film Festival’s Red Carpet event notable attendees included DFI Board of Trustees H.E. Sheikh Thani Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, H.E. Sheikh Saif Bin Ahmed Bin Saif Al-Thani, H.E. Salah Bin Ghanim Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, and H.E. Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi. Among the event’s key guests were H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Advisor at Emiri Diwan, who was recognized for his contributions and support of arts and culture.

DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 29: HE Mr. Salah Bin Ghanim Al Ali speaks in front of the jurors on stage at the Opening Ceremony and ‘The Breadwinner’ premiere during the Ajyal Youth Film Festival on November 29, 2017 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

The evening was a demonstration of resilience and solidarity, showing a strong turn-out for the MENA premier of Nora Twomey’s much-anticipated feature animation, The Breadwinner (Canada, Ireland, Luxembourg/2017). A tale of female empowerment and a celebration of Afghani culture, it was produced by Oscar award-winning actress, Angelina Jolie and is illustrated by award-winning Irish animation studio, the Cartoon Saloon.

Other prominent local attendees included Qatari filmmaker Saad Burshaid and artist Fahad Al-Kubaisi, as well as Made in Qatar jury members, Dana Madouh and Salah Al Mullah.

Distinguished regional guests included actress Buthaina Al Raisy, Malik Al Musilmani, filmmaker Maitham Al Musawi, Bashar Awadh and regional distributor, Issac Fahed. Faruk Šabanović, director of the feature Birds Like Us, art director Reza Riahi and directors of Loving Vincent, Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman.

DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 29: CEO of Doha Film Institute Fatma Al Remaihi and members of the jury attend the Opening Ceremony and ‘The Breadwinner’ premiere during the Ajyal Youth Film Festival on November 29, 2017 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)

Also walking the carpet was 13 year-old Saara Chaudry, the voice of Parvana, the main character in The Breadwinner, who is forced to disguise herself as a boy in order to help her family make ends meet after her teacher father is unfairly imprisoned.

With a good showing of local and international press, the presence of so many local VIPs ensured that the evening, and the festival, got off to an excellent start.

The 5th Ajyal Youth Festival runs from November 29 to December 4 and its compelling slate of 103 films from 43 countries, including 20 feature films and 83 short films, illustrate the ability of storytelling to transcend borders, transform minds and touch hearts. Inspiring to film enthusiasts of all ages, this year’s selection once again demonstrates the power of filmmaking to stimulate discussions about real, globally relevant issues and power and resilience of creativity.