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A recommended list of what to watch at AIFF 2023, part 2
A diverse lineup of Arab shorts and documentaries to watch at AIFF 2023
Israa Radaydeh, Jordan News
last updated:
Aug 13,2023
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Embark on a
cinematic journey through the captivating narratives of Jordanian and Arab
filmmakers as the Amman International Film Festival presents its highly
anticipated fourth edition.اضافة اعلان
From heartfelt tales of sisterhood and courage
to stories of hope and resilience, this curated list unveils the hidden
treasures of Jordanian cinema that are set to captivate audiences worldwide.
Here are our
recommend list to keep your eyes on:
Jordanian Gems A Calling. From
the Desert. to the Sea, directed by Murad Abu Eisheh – JordanGenre: Animation
Ahlam and Yasmin
are two sisters who live in a secluded desert community. Ahlam is married off
to a man she does not love, and she fears that the same fate will befall
Yasmin. One day, Ahlam tells Yasmin a story about a mythical sea that lies
beyond the desert and its mountains. Yasmin is captivated by the story, and she
agrees to run away with Ahlam to find the sea.
The film A
Calling. From the Desert. To the Sea is a story about sisterhood, courage, and
self-discovery.
Kroka, directed by
Samer Z. M. Battikhi - Jordan Genre:
Comedy-Drama
The film is a
comedy-drama about a young woman named Yomna who is passionate about theater. Yomna
works at the last independent theater in town, which is controlled by the Brown
Suits Committee, an old-fashioned and greedy group of middle-aged men led by
Mr. Ameen.
Kroka is a film
about the power of art and the importance of free speech. It is a timely and
important film that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Dinar, directed by
Moawea Al-Omari - JordanGenre: Drama,
Comedy
The film tells the
story of Hadeel, a young Palestinian refugee living in the Al-Hosn refugee camp
in Jordan. Every morning, Hadeel wakes up and sets out with her small cart to
collect recyclable waste. She sells the waste to earn her daily dinar, which is
precious to her because it is intended for a specific purpose that is close to
her heart.
Dinar is a film
about hope and resilience. It is a story about a young woman who refuses to
give up on her dreams, even in the face of adversity.
The Visit,
directed by Ali Al-Saadi - Jordan Genre: Drama
The Visit is a
film inspired by true events. It tells the story of a young woman named Abeer
who tries to help her mother, Noura, get over the absence of her son, Omar.
Omar was killed in a car accident 10 years ago, and Noura has never been able
to come to terms with his death.
The Visit is a
film about the power of grief and the importance of family.
Abed, directed by
Abedalsalam Al-haj - JordanGenre: Drama
A nine-year-old
boy named Abed who works with his abusive father in a restaurant is forced to
face his extreme fear of darkness when he is sent to buy a pack of cigarettes
for his father late at night.
The film is about
Abed's journey of self-discovery and empowerment and a reminder that everyone
has the power to overcome their fears.
Closure, directed
by Mooney Abu Samra - Jordan Genre: Drama
A film about a
determined young geologist named Sarah who finds herself stranded in the vast
expanse of the desert after her team of geologists is drowned in a flash flood
caused by climate change. Sarah is the lone survivor, and she must find a way
to survive in the harsh desert environment.
Closure is a film
about hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
International
shorts to keep your eyes on Buzz, directed by
Mohamed Fawi - Sudan Genre: Drama
A film about a
mother who is dying of cancer. As her health deteriorates, she watches her son
and daughter prepare for her inevitable passing and their new reality
Buzz is a film
about love, loss, and the importance of family and community.
My Girl Friend,
directed by Kawthar Younis - Egypt Genre: Drama
The film tells the
story of a young man who disguises himself as a woman in order to visit his
sweetheart without fear of censorship. The film explores the intimacy that men
often lack in their relationship to their bodies, and it challenges traditional
ideas about gender roles.
"My
Girlfriend" is a thought-provoking film that challenges traditional ideas
about gender roles and the way that men relate to their bodies. It is a film
that is sure to spark conversation and introspection.
Hamza: Chasing the
Ghost Chasing Me, directed by Ward Kayyal - Palestine Genre: Drama
Hamza is a
middle-aged man who goes into the woods every day to hunt a lion that no one
else believes exists.
The film explores
Hamza's internal struggle as he navigates the aftermath of his imprisonment,
and it touches on broader themes of trauma, memory, and societal perception.
Documentaries not
to miss Heroic Bodies,
directed by Sara Suliman - SudanTells the story of
the systematic oppression of women in Sudan. The film begins by tracing the
history of this oppression, which dates back to the 16th century. The film then
goes on to present many examples of the ways in which women's bodies have been
regarded and treated as property, from women forced to live as concubines or
slaves, to genital mutilation and facial disfigurement.
The film is a
powerful and moving testament to the strength and resilience of women in Sudan,
and it is a call to action for all who believe in equality and justice.
Baghdad on Fire, directed
by Karrar Al-Azzawi – Iraq The story of the
October 2019 protests in Iraq. The protests were sparked by the government's
decision to raise fuel prices, but they quickly turned into a broader movement
against corruption and government inefficiency. The protests were met with a
violent crackdown by security forces, and hundreds of people were killed.
"Baghdad on
Fire" is a powerful and moving film that captures the hopes and dreams of
a new generation of Iraqis. It is a film that is sure to resonate with anyone
who has ever fought for a better future while it is a valuable and important
document of a critical moment in Iraqi history.
Fragments from
Heaven, directed by Adnane Baraka – Morocco In the deserts of Morocco,
a group of nomads search for meteorites under the dome of the sky to sell them
to science. This cosmic film is a profound, existential experience that fills
the cinema screen as few other films.
With sparse
dialogue and a unique cinematic setting, "Fragments from Heaven"
evokes both the absurdity and the defiant, almost transcendental dimension of
the quest for the meteorite – and for meaning in human existence – to which
these weather-bitten men have dedicated their lives.