Focus on Anime

Interest in anime in the MENA region is huge. Many people growing up here were exposed to the style in their childhood and have fond memories of the Japanese cartoons that made learning classical Arabic fun. But fascination with anime grows with us, and there are legions of fans who still adore the classics as well as new anime offerings. Local artists are using the anime style to tell stories from this region and their work is beginning to be seen around the world.

With this in mind, this first edition of Ajyal delves into the magical world of anime, presenting audience with some of the most spectacular and iconic examples of this incredible art form. These include our opening night presentation of anime giant
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Wind Rises’ , our closing night films, ‘Garden of Words’ and ‘Voices of a Distant Star’ , both by Makoto Shinkai , and a collection of classic anime titles. Our Otaku Exhibition, Otaku Saves the Day Instagram Hunt and Otaku Cosplay Competition round out the focus.

Focus on Anime Special Screenings:

The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu)
Opening Night Film
By Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘the Wind Rises’ is inspired by the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the celebrated designer of the beautiful and famed Japanese Zero fighter…
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Garden of Words (Koto no ha no niwa)
Closing Night Film
By Makoto Shinkai
‘Garden of Words’ is as elegant, metaphorical and introspective as the tanka poem that frames it…
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Voices of a Distant Star (Hoshi no koe)
Closing Night Film
By Makoto Shinkai
When Mikako is sent to fight aliens in a distant universe, her text messages take years to reach Noboru. Can love survive across such distances?
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Horus: Prince of the Sun (Taiyō no Ōji: Horusu no Daibōken)
By Isao Takahata
Inspired by an ancient Japanese legend but set in Scandinavia, ‘Horus: Prince of the Sun’ is considered one of the forerunners of contemporary anime.
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Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (Rupan Sansei: Kariosutoro no Shiro)
By Hayao Miyazaki
The second film based upon a popular manga by Monkey Punch, which also inspired two successful TV series…
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The White Snake Enchantress (Hakuja den)
By Kazuhiko Okabe and Taiji Yabushita
Produced by Toei Studios in 1958, ‘The White Snake Enchantress’ represents a milestone in the history of Japanese animation…
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Unleash Your Inner Otaku!

Doha otaku take note: Ajyal has a special focus on anime culture this year, so come on out and celebrate this immensely popular art form with us at our Otaku Anime Exhibition. Get your imagination working and unleash your inner otaku on Doha!
View Otaku Events and Workshops