Amman Leaps Beyond the Frame

If last year the war in Gaza dominated the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) in its film selection, guest list and general on-the-ground conversations, the 7^th edition of the festival (July 26 to Aug. 3) is unfolding in the grip of a much wider conflict. The Iran war has involved virtually every nation in the Middle East including Jordan, though so far the damage to this normally peaceful kingdom has been limited. Still, it is a time of daily uncertainty and the country’s major film festival can’t help but be affected, even as its board of directors deserves praise for holding it, and for using film screenings to spread knowledge of the region and solidarity with fest-goers.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Beyond the Frame,” the President of the Festival, Princess Rym Ali, said: “Our theme for this year’s Festival reflects the importance of filmmaking and its effects beyond the frame. Every day stories are being translated to screen, fostering community, understanding and acceptance. In the ever-changing state of the world, cinema offers comfort to the viewers, connecting audiences at a much deeper level. This year, we are celebrating filmmakers who create these stories and bring people together, in the worst of times and the best of times.”

With festival director and co-founder Nada Doumani at its head and Bassam Alasad returning as head of industry development, the festival rests on solid foundations. People to watch this year are two new additions to the team: co-heads of programming Fadi Haddad and Murad Abu Eisheh. The selection includes 82 films from 27 countries with a spotlight on Tunisian cinema and its acclaimed directors from Nouri Bouzid to Kaouther Ben Hania.

AIFF groups its films in six main categories: Arab Feature Narrative Competition, Arab Feature Documentary Films, Non-Arab Feature Competition, Arab Short Film Competition, Made in Jordan and Out of Competition. Winners in the competitive sections will receive Amman’s traditional award, the Black Iris, accompanied by cash prizes. The Black Iris trophy was designed for the festival’s first edition by leading Jordanian artist Mohanna Durra. The iris is the country’s national flower and its balance between delicacy and resilience aptly symbolizes the challenges facing filmmakers working on their first projects.

“This year brings together a remarkable number of films grappling with questions of belonging, identity, and the search for stability in an increasingly uncertain world,” noted Fadi Haddad, Head of Programming for Arab Feature Narratives and Arab Narrative Short Films. “While the stories come from very different countries and contexts, what connects them is a shared commitment to exploring what it means to live, dream and create in times of profound transformation. Together, they reflect both the diversity and the resilience of contemporary Arab cinema.”

Murad Abu Eisheh, who programmed Arab Feature Documentaries and Non-Arab Feature Films, had this to say: “This year, the Non-Arab Feature Competition and the Arab Feature Documentary Competition converge around a shared theme: the bonds that shape our existence, whether forged through family, love, friendship, or collective memory. Spanning diverse geographies, generations, and cinematic sensibilities, the selected films are united by a common question: how does individual life take shape under the weight of broader social and political forces without being uprooted from their shared humanity?”

In line with the festival’s emphasis on supporting new filmmakers and celebrating first-time achievements, the non-competitive section “First & Latest” brings renowned international filmmakers working in many fields of cinema to the festival to screen their first and most recent films. They will share their knowledge in master classes and talks that offer the audience a close-up look at how their personal creative style has evolved over years of experience.

AMMAN FILM INDUSTRY DAYS

The festival has announced a number of events to be hosted by the Amman Film Industry Days (AFID), including masterclasses, panels and discussions with experienced directors and film professionals. Also announced are three pitching platforms for projects in development and postproduction, where a jury will grant in-kind and cash awards to winning projects. The Amman Film Market connects filmmakers in a dedicated space where they can attract the attention of funders, partners and distributors.

The Short Film Incubator is a new program launched in partnership between the Royal Film Commission – Jordan and AFID, supporting 15 short film projects in development. Selected filmmakers will work with mentors to strengthen their scripts, dossiers, and pitching materials before pitching their projects during AFID for the chance to win a cash development award.

The festival is supported by its partners, including the Jordan Tourism Board, The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Abdali Investment and Development, Zain Jordan, Royal Jordanian, Ministry of Culture, Ghiath & Nadia Sukhtian Foundation, Greater Amman Municipality, Cozmo, FromSoda, TAJ Cinemas, Institut Français – Jordan.