Under the patronage of HRH Princess Rym Ali, President of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film, and in the presence of HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, representative of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Chairman of the Royal Film Commission–Jordan, the seventh edition of the festival officially opened on Sunday evening at Al Hussein Cultural Center in Amman under the theme "Beyond the Frame."
اضافة اعلان
The opening ceremony was also attended by HRH Prince Abdullah bin Ali and HRH Princess Jalila bint Ali.
In her opening remarks, Princess Rym Ali said that this year's festival invites audiences to look beyond the frame, where culture, memory, and lived experiences reside elements that give films their emotion, authenticity, and unique voice.
She added: "For Arab filmmakers, looking beyond the frame also means reclaiming the right to tell our own stories. For too long, others have decided which stories deserve to be told and which are left outside the frame."
The ceremony was attended by former Prime Minister Dr. Omar Razzaz, Chairman of the Greater Amman Municipality Committee Dr. Yousef Al Shawarbeh, senior officials, heads of diplomatic missions in Jordan, and a distinguished gathering of film stars from Jordan, the Arab world, and beyond.
A special tribute was dedicated to the late Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri, who participated in last year's festival.
The tribute included a short film highlighting his artistic career in cinema and theater, as well as a commemorative message read by his sons, Saleh and Adam, and his daughter, Yafa, who attended the ceremony alongside their mother, Leila.
The festival's seventh edition also celebrates Tunisian cinema, showcasing six notable works by Tunisian filmmakers.
Hosted by presenter Mohannad Al Jazeera and singer Zein Awad, the ceremony featured a musical performance by artist Yazan Al Rousan titled "Sabah Al Khair Tunisia" (Good Morning Tunisia), blending Jordanian and Tunisian dialects.
Tunisian filmmaker Dhafer L'Abidine expressed his delight that his film "Sophia" was selected to open the festival and welcomed the festival's tribute to Tunisian cinema, thanking Jordan and the festival organizers for the recognition.
The opening ceremony concluded with the screening of "Sophia," L'Abidine's latest feature film, which he personally introduced to the audience.
Running through August 3, the festival features a selection of Arab and international films, all premiering in Jordan, with many receiving their world premiere.
The program also includes panel discussions, workshops, and meetings with film professionals and renowned cinema figures.
