Ajyal Film Festival 2024, presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), will host renowned Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass and acclaimed filmmaker and photographer Misan Harriman in this year’s Ajyal Spotlight sessions, bringing their powerful perspectives on the intersection of storytelling and social change to young audiences.
Ajyal Spotlight honours storytellers who inspire change and aligned with this year’s theme of Moments that Matter, the two influential voices featured bring an unyielding commitment to storytelling as a force for change. Their shared insights and personal journeys will inspire young audiences to explore the transformative power of art as a catalyst for understanding, compassion and empathy.
In a press statement, DFI CEO and festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: “Through their work, both Hiam Abbass and Misan Harriman have embodied the potential of creative voices to challenge perspectives, inspire positive change, and foster deeper cultural understanding".
Abbass is one of the most recognisable voices in global cinema. Born in Nazareth and raised in Deir Hanna, her career spans continents, cultures, and decades. Harriman, a Nigerian-born photographer, creative director, and founder of ‘What We Seee’, has carved a unique space in the world of photography. From his documentation of London’s Black Lives Matter protests to his historic role as the first Black photographer to capture a British Vogue’s cover, Harriman’s work is a visual commentary on the human spirit, resilience, and the fight for social justice.
Hiam Abbass
Misan Harriman
