‘Kashta’ and ‘Amer: An Arabian Legend’ win honors at Qatar festival

Marked by strong production values and compelling narratives, “Kashta,” directed by AJ Al-Thani, and “Amer: An Arabian Legend” by Jassim Al-Rumaihi, won the Best Narrative Short Film and Best Documentary Short Film Prizes, respectively, at the Made in Qatar Awards of the fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute. “Al-Johara” by Nora Al-Subai won the Special Jury Award and “More Than Two Days” by Ahmed Abdelnaser clinched the Honorary Jury Award. 
While Al-Thani takes home the award for her debut narrative, Al-Rumaihi is reprising the honor, having won the Best Documentary Prize last year at the Made in Qatar Awards for “The Palm Tree.” 
Fatma Al-Remaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said that the winners were chosen from a tough competition that had 17 ‘Made in Qatar’ films. 
She said: “Made in Qatar is a central showcase of our festival, and has evolved as a definitive platform for discovering local talent. With every passing year, we witness a remarkable enhancement in the quality and aesthetics of the films made locally.” 
“In addition to the support that Doha Film Institute extends to our filmmakers, we are delighted to see local production houses stepping in to support our talents, thus helping creating a strong filmmaking ecosystem. I congratulate the winners for their commitment, passion and dedication to creating films that present our stories to the world.”
Presenting the citation, Qatari photographer and filmmaker Khalifa Al-Obaidly, a jury member, said the films reflected impressive visual aesthetics, production values, brilliant acting and insightful research.

Source: Arab News