?? The 5th Edition of the Amman International Film Festival! ????
Israa Radaydeh
"Versatile Content Specialist | Film Journalist, Bilingual Copywriter, & Movie Buff | Crafting Compelling Narratives"
By: Israa Radaydeh
Amman, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, has long been a center for artistic expression. In 2024, this artistic fervor reaches new heights as we approach the 5th edition of the Amman International Film Festival - First Film, running from July 3-11.
This significant event not only underscores the festival's enduring importance but also highlights its evolution into a beacon for local, Arab, and international filmmakers alike.
A Theme Reflecting the Importance of Storytelling
The chosen theme "Ihkeeli" (Tell Me) reflects the ongoing need for storytelling by filmmakers, creating impactful and resonant works. This year, the theme also brings attention to the Gaza War that began on October 7, emphasizing the power of storytelling to shine a light on current events.
The festival's board emphasized the role of storytelling in highlighting these events, featuring guests who have been directly affected by the atrocities committed by the occupying forces. This focus on humanity and the cultural contributions of the Arab region plays a significant role in showcasing stories that are often untold or distorted.
Palestine Takes Center Stage
The upcoming edition ensures a prominent presence for Palestine, featuring carefully selected screenings, workshops, and discussions. Despite the ongoing tragic circumstances in the region, the festival underscores the urgent need to tell our stories to the world, as stated by Festival Director Nada Doumani.
Highlighting this importance, Doumani announced the global premiere of the anthology film "From Zero Distance," which includes 22 short films by Gaza filmmakers. These films, shot and produced amid the recent war, serve as a "cry for life," affirming that our culture will endure despite the conditions.
The film "From Zero Distance" was born from an initiative by veteran Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, who has received numerous international awards. His guidance, alongside professionals from the Arab world and beyond, ensured the project's artistic and technical quality.
This project has rekindled confidence and initiative among the participants, helping them overcome despair and regain hope, funded by the Royal Film Commission of Jordan and other partners. These films reflect the resilience and creativity of Gaza's youth, translating the festival's theme of storytelling and reclaiming narratives.
Additionally, five other Palestinian films will be featured in various sections of the festival, including Arab feature films, Arab documentaries, Arab short films, and the "French-Arab Cinema Rendezvous" program.
A Rich Program and New Additions
With each passing year, the festival dedicates its fifth edition to showcasing films from the Global South, emphasizing the necessity of promoting cinema from developing countries. These films, representing regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offer unique cultural, political, and social perspectives different from Hollywood productions.
The festival also introduces a non-competitive section titled "Lighting," highlighting stories by veteran and young regional directors. This section includes four inspiring films, alongside activities for filmmakers such as workshops on using visual and auditory archives to enhance cinematic narratives and discussions on new distribution methods.
How "Amman Film - First Film" Evolved in 5 Years?
The Amman Film Festival, the first international film festival in Jordan, was born out of the urgent need to showcase the burgeoning talents of Jordanian and Arab filmmakers alongside their international counterparts.
Since its inception, the festival has grown significantly, gaining recognition for its commitment to promoting diverse cinematic voices. It reflects a broad trend in the region, with increasing interest in cultural exchange and a thirst for new narratives that challenge, inspire, and impact both film viewers and creators locally and globally.
In its fifth edition, the festival features 51 films from 28 countries, including a mix of Arab and international feature films, documentaries, and carefully selected Arab short films. These films offer a unique cinematic experience, with many premiering in Jordan in 2023 and 2024.
The festival will also see the world premieres of two films, alongside five international debuts. Competing in four categories, films vie for the prestigious Black Iris Award and cash prizes. The categories include Best Arab Feature Film (7 films), Best Arab Documentary (6 films), Best Arab Short Film (16 films), and the Audience Award for the best non-Arab Film (7 films).
The "French-Arab Cinema Rendezvous" section, in its fourth year, presents five feature films and six short films, either French or co-produced with France.
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Oscar-Winner Asghar Farhadi, Guest of "The First and the Latest" Section
This year, the renowned Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, known for his unique cinematic style and ability to address social and ethical issues with depth and simplicity, graces the festival. His acclaimed works, like "A Separation" and "The Salesman," bring profound cinematic insights to the festival.
Farhadi's participation signifies the festival's growing prominence and its ability to attract talent from around the world. His focus on realistic storytelling and detailed event depiction lends his films a credibility and closeness to daily life, making them powerful reflections of human complexities.
A Platform for Local and Arab Filmmakers
For local and Arab filmmakers, the festival is a crucial platform to showcase their work, gain recognition, and network with industry professionals. The festival's emphasis on "First Film," highlighting debut films and directors, underscores the importance of new beginnings and fresh voices in the cinematic landscape.
This theme resonates deeply in the Arab world, where storytelling is a cherished tradition, and new filmmakers are eager to share their unique narratives with the world.
Impact on the Region
The festival has significantly impacted the local film industry and the broader Arab cinematic scene. It has created opportunities for collaboration, facilitated networking, and provided a stage for films that might otherwise struggle to find an audience. By doing so, the festival has elevated the status of Arab cinema and drawn international attention to it.
Moreover, the festival's commitment to supporting female filmmakers and promoting gender equality in the industry has been particularly noteworthy. This focus has encouraged a new generation of female directors and producers, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse film industry in the region.
The Path to Success
The success and growth of the Amman Film Festival can be attributed to several key factors, including continuous support from the Royal Film Commission's Chairman, HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, under whose patronage the festival is held, and its President, HRH Princess Rym Ali. Their strategic vision and meticulous organization have positioned the festival as a space for both filmmakers and audiences.
By selecting films that stimulate thought and engage with the community, the festival has established itself as a platform for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange. This support has provided the resources and infrastructure needed to host a world-class event and attract international attention.
The festival's focus on education and talent development has fostered a vibrant film community in Jordan. Workshops, training sessions, and networking events have offered invaluable educational opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, helping to nurture the next generation of talent.
A Bright Future
As the Amman International Film Festival - First Film celebrates its fifth edition, it is evident that the festival has established itself as a cornerstone of the Arab film industry.
Its impact extends beyond the festival itself, inspiring filmmakers across the region and contributing to Jordan's cultural richness.
Looking to the future, the festival is poised to continue its journey of growth and success. With its unwavering commitment to promoting new voices and fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation, the festival is expected to remain a vital part of the global film landscape for years to come.
The Amman International Film Festival is more than just a film festival; it is a celebration of storytelling, a platform for new voices, and a beacon of cultural exchange. As it enters its fifth year, the festival continues to shine, lighting the way for filmmakers and audiences alike.
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