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A recommended list of what to watch at AIFF 2023, part 1
A recommended list of what to watch at AIFF 2023, part 1
Israa Radaydeh, Jordan News
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The Amman International Film
Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) is set to kick off its 4th edition on August 15
featuring a lineup of powerful films and storytelling to captivate local and
international film buffs. This year’s selections feature a variety of local and
regional curated of 56 films from 19 countries featuring narratives,
documentaries, and short films from different genres.اضافة اعلان
Juries will be tasked with selecting the winners of the Black Iris Award in various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in Arab cinema.
Whether you are looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, or think, you are sure to find something to your liking on this list, so let us dig into some of our recommendations, 14 in fact, of the films we love.
A Gaza Weekend directed by Basil Khalil- (Palestine)
Genre: Comedy
A British-Israeli couple travel to Gaza for a weekend. They are initially nervous about visiting a place that is often portrayed negatively in the media, but they soon come to appreciate the beauty and resilience of the people they meet.
The film is a story of hope and understanding. It shows that even in a place that is often mired in conflict, there is still beauty and joy to be found. It also sets a reminder for the portrayals we often employ on people, whether it is through judgement or stereotypes.
Hanging Gardens directed by Ahmad Yassin Aldaraji- (Iraq)
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Hanging Gardens is a film about a young Iraqi boy who scours through the piles of refuse in the city of Baghdad. Twelve-year-old Asaad (Wissam Diyaa) spends his days alongside his older brother Taha, searching for treasure in the trash: metal, plastic, and the odd valuables that can be sold to a shady local patriarch (Jawad Al-Shakarji). Every once in a while, he strikes gold as he comes across the dusty pages of original American pornographic magazines. These, he sells to adults for a good price. But one day, Asaad discovers a treasure grander than any Playboy: a full-sized sex doll that can even speak.
Hanging Gardens is a powerful film that tells a story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.
Alam, directed by Firas Khoury (Palestine)
Genre: Naturalistic drama
A film about a young Palestinian high school student who is carefree and avoids politics. When a new student named Maysaa' enters his life, he is drawn to her confidence and activism. He begins to question his own life and joins his friends in a risky operation. Will he change once and for all or revert to his former self?
The film is directed by Firas Khoury, a Palestinian filmmaker who has been praised for his realistic portrayals of the Palestinian experience. Alam is a powerful and moving film that tells a story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Last Queen, directed by Adila Bendimerad & Damien Ounouri (Algeria)
Genre: Historical Drama
A historical film about Zaphira, the queen of Algiers, who fought against Spanish occupiers in the 16th century. Aruj Barbarossa freed Algiers from the spanish, but quickly became despotic and was rumored to have murdered the king. Zaphira stood up to him for the sake of her people.
The film is a powerful story of female empowerment and a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice.
A Summer in Boujad, directed by Omar Mouldouira (Morocco)
Genre: Drama
The film is a coming-of-age story about a young boy who learns about his family history and his own identity. It is also a story about the power of friendship and the importance of belonging. The film is beautifully shot and it captures the essence of Morocco.
It is a must-see for fans of coming-of-age films and Moroccan cinema.
Snow and the Bear, directed by Selcen Ergun (Turkey)
Genre: Drama
A Turkish drama film about a young woman named Asli who is appointed as a nurse to a small remote village, Asli finds herself caught up in a web of power relationships, secrets, and doubts.
The film explores the themes of isolation, loneliness, and the power of nature.
A Tale of Shemroon, directed by Emad Aleebrahim Dehkordi (Iran)
Genre: Drama
The film tells the story of Iman and Payar, two brothers who live with their father in a small town in Iran. After the death of their mother, Iman seeks to make a new beginning for himself by starting a business. However, his plans are soon derailed by a series of events that lead him into a dark and dangerous world.
A Tale of Shemroon is a powerful and suspenseful film that explores the themes of family, loss, and the dangers of ambition. It is a must-see for fans of Iranian cinema.
Daughter of Rage, directed by Laura Baumeister (Nicaragua)
Genre: Drama with elements of magical realism
A Nicaraguan drama film about a young girl named Aura who lives on a landfill. She dreams of becoming a singer, but her life is shaped by poverty, violence, and abuse.
The film explores the themes of hope, resilience, and the power of music.
Aftersun, directed by Charlotte Wells (United Kingdom)
Genre: A coming-of-age drama
The film follows Sophie and her father, as they share a rare holiday in Turkey. It is a film that reveals the intricacies of father-daughter relationships, and the nuances of memory and depression.
The Dam, directed by Ali Cherri (Lebanon, France)
Genre: Drama
A Sudanese drama film about a bricklayer named Maher who works on a dam construction site. The film explores the themes of labor, exploitation, and the environment.
Cherri is known for his realistic portrayals of life in Lebanon, and The Dam is no exception. The film is a powerful and moving story about a man who fights for justice in the face of oppression.
Harka, directed by Lotfy Nathan (Tunisia, France)
Genre: Drama
A young Tunisian man named Ali who is struggling to make a living. He is pulled in two directions: he wants to provide for his sisters, but he also dreams of a better life in Europe. He gets involved in the petroleum smuggling trade, but he is ultimately caught up in the political unrest of the Arab Spring.
Ali is not an anti-hero. He is a good person who is trying to do the right thing. However, he is ultimately defeated by the system. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of political oppression.
Houria, directed by Mounia Meddour (Algeria, France)
Genre: Drama
Set in Algeria in the 1990s, during a time of political unrest. Houria is a talented dancer, but she is also a woman in a society that does not value women's artistic expression. She faces discrimination from her family, her teachers, and even the ballet company itself.
Meddour is known for her realistic portrayals of women in Algeria, and Houria is no exception. The film is a powerful and inspiring story about a young woman who overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams.
Under the Fig Trees, directed by Erige Sehiri (Tunisia, France)
Genre: A coming-of-age story drama
The film is set in a small village in Tunisia, and it follows the women as they work in the orchard and spend their free time together. They are all from different backgrounds, but they are united by their shared experiences as young women in a patriarchal society.
Sehiri is known for her realistic portrayals of women in Tunisia, and Under the Fig Trees is no exception. The film is a powerful and moving story about a group of young women who find their strength in each other, also it explores the themes of female friendship, sexuality, and the power of nature.
Nezouh, directed by Soudade Kaadan (Syria, France)
Genre: Drama
A young woman named Zeina is the last person left in her besieged hometown of Damascus in Syria. When a missile destroys her home, Zeina is forced to explore the outside world for the first time. She must decide whether to stay and fight for her home, or to leave and start a new life as a refugee.
The film is a powerful and moving story of hope and survival in the midst of war. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Syrian cinema or the human experience in times of conflict.
Soudade Kaadan, a Syrian filmmaker, directs the film. Kaadan is known for her realistic portrayals of life in Syria. The film is a powerful and moving story about a young woman who finds hope in the midst of despair.
Rat Hole, directed by Mohamed El Samman (Egypt)
Genre: Drama
The film is about a telemarketer who struggles to make ends meet. She lives in a cramped and dirty apartment, and she is constantly under pressure to meet her quota. However, she never gives up hope, and she eventually achieves her dream of moving to a better neighborhood.
The film is directed by Mohamed Samman, an Egyptian filmmaker. Samman is known for his dark and atmospheric films.
Read more Entertainment
Jordan News
Juries will be tasked with selecting the winners of the Black Iris Award in various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in Arab cinema.
Whether you are looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, or think, you are sure to find something to your liking on this list, so let us dig into some of our recommendations, 14 in fact, of the films we love.
A Gaza Weekend directed by Basil Khalil- (Palestine)
Genre: Comedy
A British-Israeli couple travel to Gaza for a weekend. They are initially nervous about visiting a place that is often portrayed negatively in the media, but they soon come to appreciate the beauty and resilience of the people they meet.
The film is a story of hope and understanding. It shows that even in a place that is often mired in conflict, there is still beauty and joy to be found. It also sets a reminder for the portrayals we often employ on people, whether it is through judgement or stereotypes.
Hanging Gardens directed by Ahmad Yassin Aldaraji- (Iraq)
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Hanging Gardens is a film about a young Iraqi boy who scours through the piles of refuse in the city of Baghdad. Twelve-year-old Asaad (Wissam Diyaa) spends his days alongside his older brother Taha, searching for treasure in the trash: metal, plastic, and the odd valuables that can be sold to a shady local patriarch (Jawad Al-Shakarji). Every once in a while, he strikes gold as he comes across the dusty pages of original American pornographic magazines. These, he sells to adults for a good price. But one day, Asaad discovers a treasure grander than any Playboy: a full-sized sex doll that can even speak.
Hanging Gardens is a powerful film that tells a story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.
Alam, directed by Firas Khoury (Palestine)
Genre: Naturalistic drama
A film about a young Palestinian high school student who is carefree and avoids politics. When a new student named Maysaa' enters his life, he is drawn to her confidence and activism. He begins to question his own life and joins his friends in a risky operation. Will he change once and for all or revert to his former self?
The film is directed by Firas Khoury, a Palestinian filmmaker who has been praised for his realistic portrayals of the Palestinian experience. Alam is a powerful and moving film that tells a story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Last Queen, directed by Adila Bendimerad & Damien Ounouri (Algeria)
Genre: Historical Drama
A historical film about Zaphira, the queen of Algiers, who fought against Spanish occupiers in the 16th century. Aruj Barbarossa freed Algiers from the spanish, but quickly became despotic and was rumored to have murdered the king. Zaphira stood up to him for the sake of her people.
The film is a powerful story of female empowerment and a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice.
A Summer in Boujad, directed by Omar Mouldouira (Morocco)
Genre: Drama
The film is a coming-of-age story about a young boy who learns about his family history and his own identity. It is also a story about the power of friendship and the importance of belonging. The film is beautifully shot and it captures the essence of Morocco.
It is a must-see for fans of coming-of-age films and Moroccan cinema.
Snow and the Bear, directed by Selcen Ergun (Turkey)
Genre: Drama
A Turkish drama film about a young woman named Asli who is appointed as a nurse to a small remote village, Asli finds herself caught up in a web of power relationships, secrets, and doubts.
The film explores the themes of isolation, loneliness, and the power of nature.
A Tale of Shemroon, directed by Emad Aleebrahim Dehkordi (Iran)
Genre: Drama
The film tells the story of Iman and Payar, two brothers who live with their father in a small town in Iran. After the death of their mother, Iman seeks to make a new beginning for himself by starting a business. However, his plans are soon derailed by a series of events that lead him into a dark and dangerous world.
A Tale of Shemroon is a powerful and suspenseful film that explores the themes of family, loss, and the dangers of ambition. It is a must-see for fans of Iranian cinema.
Daughter of Rage, directed by Laura Baumeister (Nicaragua)
Genre: Drama with elements of magical realism
A Nicaraguan drama film about a young girl named Aura who lives on a landfill. She dreams of becoming a singer, but her life is shaped by poverty, violence, and abuse.
The film explores the themes of hope, resilience, and the power of music.
Aftersun, directed by Charlotte Wells (United Kingdom)
Genre: A coming-of-age drama
The film follows Sophie and her father, as they share a rare holiday in Turkey. It is a film that reveals the intricacies of father-daughter relationships, and the nuances of memory and depression.
The Dam, directed by Ali Cherri (Lebanon, France)
Genre: Drama
A Sudanese drama film about a bricklayer named Maher who works on a dam construction site. The film explores the themes of labor, exploitation, and the environment.
Cherri is known for his realistic portrayals of life in Lebanon, and The Dam is no exception. The film is a powerful and moving story about a man who fights for justice in the face of oppression.
Harka, directed by Lotfy Nathan (Tunisia, France)
Genre: Drama
A young Tunisian man named Ali who is struggling to make a living. He is pulled in two directions: he wants to provide for his sisters, but he also dreams of a better life in Europe. He gets involved in the petroleum smuggling trade, but he is ultimately caught up in the political unrest of the Arab Spring.
Ali is not an anti-hero. He is a good person who is trying to do the right thing. However, he is ultimately defeated by the system. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of political oppression.
Houria, directed by Mounia Meddour (Algeria, France)
Genre: Drama
Set in Algeria in the 1990s, during a time of political unrest. Houria is a talented dancer, but she is also a woman in a society that does not value women's artistic expression. She faces discrimination from her family, her teachers, and even the ballet company itself.
Meddour is known for her realistic portrayals of women in Algeria, and Houria is no exception. The film is a powerful and inspiring story about a young woman who overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams.
Under the Fig Trees, directed by Erige Sehiri (Tunisia, France)
Genre: A coming-of-age story drama
The film is set in a small village in Tunisia, and it follows the women as they work in the orchard and spend their free time together. They are all from different backgrounds, but they are united by their shared experiences as young women in a patriarchal society.
Sehiri is known for her realistic portrayals of women in Tunisia, and Under the Fig Trees is no exception. The film is a powerful and moving story about a group of young women who find their strength in each other, also it explores the themes of female friendship, sexuality, and the power of nature.
Nezouh, directed by Soudade Kaadan (Syria, France)
Genre: Drama
A young woman named Zeina is the last person left in her besieged hometown of Damascus in Syria. When a missile destroys her home, Zeina is forced to explore the outside world for the first time. She must decide whether to stay and fight for her home, or to leave and start a new life as a refugee.
The film is a powerful and moving story of hope and survival in the midst of war. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Syrian cinema or the human experience in times of conflict.
Soudade Kaadan, a Syrian filmmaker, directs the film. Kaadan is known for her realistic portrayals of life in Syria. The film is a powerful and moving story about a young woman who finds hope in the midst of despair.
Rat Hole, directed by Mohamed El Samman (Egypt)
Genre: Drama
The film is about a telemarketer who struggles to make ends meet. She lives in a cramped and dirty apartment, and she is constantly under pressure to meet her quota. However, she never gives up hope, and she eventually achieves her dream of moving to a better neighborhood.
The film is directed by Mohamed Samman, an Egyptian filmmaker. Samman is known for his dark and atmospheric films.
Read more Entertainment
Jordan News
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