Amman International Film Festival launches seventh edition

The seventh edition of the Amman International Film Festival – First Film opened on Sunday in Amman, Jordan, under the theme “Beyond the Frame.” Princess Reem Ali, chair of the festival, said the theme stresses the human creativity behind cinema, especially in an era of artificial intelligence and digital imagery, and highlights the cultural memory and regional stories that give films their voice.

The opening ceremony paid tribute to the late Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Bakri, whose five‑decade career was remembered by his sons. Arab Radio and Television Network (ART) participated with three feature films – Egypt’s “The Colony,” Lebanon’s “Stars of Hope and Pain,” and Jordan’s “Sinking” – and offered a $10,000 prize for a developing Arab narrative feature. The festival’s juries will assess projects in development and post‑production, supporting emerging Arab talent.