(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The movie The Idol depicts the story of positivity and optimism, stated Hany Abu-Assad, the director of the movie while interacting with the media on the opening day of the 2015 edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival organised by Doha Film Institute (DFI).
The 3rd Ajyal Youth Film Festival got off to a flying start yesterday at Katara,with the screening of the movie, The Idol. A total of 80 films from 36 countries are being screened at the festival.
Abu-Assad explained: "The movie shares the emotions of humanity. It is also a story of hope and how difficulties can usher in new opportunities. It also highlights the element of perseverance. The movie emphasises that it is important not to be affected by adversities."
He said: "The most difficult obstacle in making the film was to adapt reality into drama that would resonate with audiences. Even though Palestinians in Gaza are living in a very difficult situation and there is destruction all over the Arab region, which is traumatising and shocking. Gaza is inspirational for humanity because despite all their troubles they have not lost their humanity."
Mohamed Assaf, whose real story has been the context of the movie, said: "Seeing my story personally was amazing, not just about my life but about the difficulties and plight of Palestinians in Gaza. It is a story of hope and is inspirational for young people not just in Palestine but for Arab youth. It teaches us to persevere, have hope and to realise our dreams; the film is a story of positivity that the people of Gaza have not given up hope despite the suffering."
The producer of the film, Amira Diab, said that there were several challenges in making the movie. She elaborated: "It was very important to have the children in Gaza in the movie. We had great difficulty in getting the children for audition. Finally we depended on Skype interviews and auditions for selecting the children."
"They have their own energy and presence, they are self confident.The children in the film have witnessed two wars in their lives and so they are fearless and very confident and we wanted to convey that," she added.
Fatma al-Remaihi, DFI CEO, highlighted the role of the organisation in the making of the movie. She said: "The Doha Film Institute has been involved right from its production stage as a co-financier of the project. Mohammed Assaf's incredible story in the hands of a great filmmaker like Hany Abu-Assad is a winning combination. Ajyal is dedicated to inspiring our younger generation, to open them up to new perspectives on the world around them and encourage their creativity. The Idol is thus a perfect film that embodies hope and positivity for our youth."
"Hany Abu-Assad is one of the most distinctive filmmakers from the Arab world and we are honoured to open our festival with the regional premiere of this captivating and accomplished film, which epitomises optimism and youthful energy," she added.
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