The Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC) is an international film festival dedicated to showcasing documentary films. Organized annually by Al Jazeera Balkans, in collaboration with Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) and Al Jazeera Media Institute from #Doha, the festival is renowned for its compelling storytelling and cinematic excellence. The upcoming AJB DOC Film Festival for the year 2023 is scheduled to take place from September 8th to 12th.
Since its inception in 2022, the Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days @ AJB DOC has experienced remarkable success. This platform has effectively tackled a diverse range of topics, featuring 32 projects from 21 countries that offer authentic narratives and innovative approaches to capturing reality on screen. Running alongside the Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival, this event has become a recognised hub for documentaries, both within the region and worldwide. Due to the overwhelming response, the deadline for applications for documentary projects at various stages of development has been extended to June 15, 2023.
As the call for projects is currently open, Modern Times Review had the opportunity to speak with #Adel Ksiksi#, the Head of Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days, about the programme’s offerings, ultimate goals, and the highly anticipated Main Pitch competition.
As Head of the Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days @AJB DOC, how do you define your role and responsibilities?
Briefly, I oversee and manage all aspects of the forum’s operations, programming and organisation. With a pivotal role in curating the industry days’ lineup, ensuring its smooth execution, and maintaining its reputation within the film industry and among attendees.
What is the ultimate goal of the Industry Days programme of AJB DOC?
AJD Industry Days @AJB DOC is a launchpad to match filmmakers from #Southeast Europe# (SEE), the #Middle East# and #North Africa# (MENA) and #Caucasus regions in different stages of production with key international players, including producers, commissioning editors and distributors. It is an event that intends to support the expansion of documentaries worldwide, including international co-productions, and it will help secure funding for documentary production.
The Industry Days programme started in 2022, with this being its second year. What kinds of aspects of organisation did you learn from the first edition for the second and beyond?
The first successful edition of AJD Industry Days @AJB DOC gave us insights into different perspectives related to programming and curation, forum operations, industry relations and partnerships. Also, it did offer us a comprehensive and immersive experience that deepens our understanding of the industry’s dynamics and the organisations involved.
One primary aspect of the Industry Days programme is its Main Pitch competition. In curating those that will feature in this year’s lineup. What kinds of themes or patterns did you notice in the projects presented?
The Main Pitch was geared towards filmmakers and production companies in the early phases of development. We noticed from what has been submitted and presented so many competitive projects with relevant topics, originality, production skills, international potential and pitching quality.
For those who may not be familiar, describe the festival’s relationship with the wider Al Jazeera Media Network (Doha).
Let’s first look at the world of Al Jazeera Media Network, a big international media organisation; under its umbrella comes five main TV stations, a vast digital division, media centres and media services.
AJD Industry Days @AJB DOC is support services for the documentary industry aligned with AJMN’s vision and mission. It is also an integral part of the Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival, acting as a launchpad to match filmmakers in different stages of production with key international players, including producers, commissioning editors and distributors.
