Ajyal’s drive-in cinema returns with family-friendly hits

By A Robin - October 31, 2021

Drive-in cinema

The 9th Ajyal Film Festival in Doha will feature Drive-In Cinema Screenings that will allow the nation to reconnect with family and friends as the nation adjusts to the changing world.

Lusail’s Drive-In Cinema, in partnership with Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and Lusail, offers audiences a safe and unique way to experience the magic of film. Family-friendly hits will be screened along with midnight horror classics in an eclectic mix of all-time favourites. In addition, there will be a colourful red carpet screening where kids can dress up as their favourite characters and become stars of the day.

“A crowd-pleasing highlight of Ajyal 2020, DFI’s Drive-In cinema at Lusail in partnership with QNTC returns with a diverse lineup of family-friendly titles and midnight horror screenings that offers something for everyone. The current global situation has shown us the necessity of purpose-driven initiatives to keep our minds and creative spirits active in times of isolation, and the drive-in format provides a safe and enjoyable alternative for a communal film going experience. In a time of continuing uncertainty, these experiences help create lasting memories for the audiences fortunate to enjoy them in person.” said Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi.

Watch Noel Clearly’s Maya the Bee 3: The Golden Orb (2021) on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6.30 PM. Maya, a little bee, and Willi, her best friend, save an ant princess in an epic bug battle, but on the way find themselves in the middle of a strange new world.

There will be a screening of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 PM. In a big-screen magical caper that marks its 20th anniversary this year, the movie follows the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and his magical abilities. It was adapted from J.K. Rowling’s children’s book of the same name.

Watch Child’s Play (1988) at 11.59 PM on that same day. The film is about a dying murderer who uses black magic to imbue his soul into a doll called Chucky. Eventually, the doll goes haywire.

A Kids Red Carpet Screening of One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) will take place on Friday, Nov. 12, at 6.30 p.m. as children dress up as their favourite characters. Pongo, a Dalmatian dog who’s tired of his bachelor lifestyle, is the subject of a film directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske and Clyde Geronimi.

The night gives way to the eerie experience of watching The Conjuring (2013), directed by James Wan. At 10 PM, a screening of Annabelle (2014) will be shown as the final screening on Sat Nov 13. It tells the story of John Form, who finds a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a white wedding dress for his expectant wife, Mia. John R. Leonetti directed the film. The delight Mia feels upon meeting Annabelle does not last very long.

On the Doha Film Institute’s website, people can buy tickets for the Drive-In Cinema screenings for QR 100 to $150 per car.