(MENAFN - The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera / The Peninsula

The unjust blockade imposed on Qatar by neighbouring countries has turned into a creative force giving birth to a massive body of works that inspire change, some of which are on display at the LeBlockade exhibition which opened yesterday in Katara as part of Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2017.

Thirty-eight artworks and 17 short films are on show at the multimedia exhibition which is one of the unique features at this year's festival presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI). They demonstrate how adversity can spark creativity and unity among artists from all backgrounds to counter injustice using art as a powerful weapon.

The artworks, which range from caricatures and paintings to photography and installations, employ various devices such as humour, irony, exaggeration and ridicule to effectively highlight a range of issues surrounding the blockade.

The films go deep into the various subjects and circumstances of the blockade. Many of the films delve into the phenomenon of fake news during this period including GCC Feud by Fahad Al Kuwari and Waheed Khan, Fabricator 1 and 2 by Khalifa Al Thani, Fake News by Naif Al Malki and We are Ok by Shouq Shaheen.

Some of the films reveal people's resilience and how they go on living life normally amid the siege such as Ehna Bkhair by Fahad Al Kuwari and Jail Bars by Hamad Al Amari while others express the impact of the blockade to citizens and residents alike such as Qatar's Loud Silence by Suad Ahmed and Dabia Al Muhannadi and We Used to Live with Them by Yousef Al Madadi.

'Ajyal 2017 is honoured to present the works of these champions at ‘LeBlockade' - a multimedia exhibit of films, digital artworks and installations showcasing the creative movement that emerged in Qatar as a reaction to the blockade. Their works also highlight the importance of film as a powerful medium that raises awareness, clears misconceptions and counters the phenomena of fake news, Fatma Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer at DFI said in a statement.

The exhibit represents a small portion of the many works that emerged during an important period in the country's recent history. The works are on show at Katara Building 19 Gallery 2 during the festival which runs until Monday.

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