Jordan’s cinematic appeal is no longer a secret. With its vast desert landscapes, ancient ruins, and dramatic terrain, the country has become a go-to location for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. From the red sands of Wadi Rum, transformed into the alien planet Arrakis in Dune and Dune: Part Two, to the epic backdrops seen in The Martian, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and Lawrence of Arabia, Jordan is steadily carving out a name for itself in global cinema.
It is against this backdrop that the sixth edition of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) kicked off last week in Jordan’s capital city, under the powerful theme “A World Unscripted.”
(Jordan’s Wadi Rum, a striking backdrop for major international films; Photo credit: Franny Plumridge)
The Festival brings together 62 films representing 23 countries, including 16 world premieres, showcasing bold, timely stories from around the world. In addition to spotlighting emerging talent from the Arab world, this year’s edition places a special focus on Irish cinema, represented by award-winning filmmaker Jim Sheridan, known for classics like My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father.
The opening ceremony took place at the Hussein Cultural Center in the presence of HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, chairman of the Royal Film Commission, along with his wife and festival president, HRH Princess Rym Ali, and their two children, Princess Jalila bint Ali and Prince Abdullah bin Ali.
(HRH Princess Rym Ali with Princess Jalila and Prince Abdullah at the AIFF opening ceremony; Photo credit: Amman Film Festival Instagram Account)
In her opening remarks, Princess Rym explained that this year’s theme reflects “a world that has turned its back on diplomacy and dialogue, where humanitarian principles and basic decency have collapsed.” She added: “The filmmakers we selected are the ones capable of restoring sanity and direction to such a world.”
The Festival opened with Upshot by Maha Haj, a Palestinian short film about a couple that retreat to an isolated farm, until a stranger arrives with a shocking truth.
(Photo credit: MAD Shorts Instagram Account)
The Festival also features 12 Jordanian films, spanning feature narratives, shorts, and documentaries. One of the local highlights is Simsim, produced through the first Feature Narrative Program workshop at the Irbid Film Center, illustrating AIFF’s commitment to supporting local talent and industry growth.
Beyond the screenings, AIFF offers an immersive program of film industry events, including master classes, pitching sessions, and conversations with directors and actors. One notable panel, “Unscripted Worlds: Cinema and Football,” was hosted by HRH Prince Ali, who also serves as president of the Jordan Football Association.
Screenings are held at different venues across Amman, inviting the public to experience a dynamic celebration of storytelling, culture, and creativity.
(Photo credit: Amman Film Festival Instagram Account)
True to its founding vision, the Amman International Film Festival continues to champion Arab and Jordanian filmmakers while building bridges with international creators.
(Photo credit: Amman Film Festival Instagram Account)
With Jordan’s cinematic landscape already capturing the imagination of global audiences through films like Dune and The Martian, the Festival reinforces the country’s growing influence as both a storytelling hub and a striking on-screen destination.
