Amman International Film Festival 2021 Edition Accepting International Films

Amman, Jordan – 23 May 2021 – The Amman International Film Festival- Awal Film (AIFF) is pleased to announce its second edition, due to be held 23 – 31 of August 2021. Jordan’s first international film festival returns for its second year in a row, after being the world’s first international film festival to commence in-person during the pandemic in August 2020. The Festival cherishes its edge of being mostly dedicated to first-time achievements in filmmaking and is currently accepting films by first-time filmmakers for its international competitive section; international films will be competing for the Audience Award, which will provide the winner with the Black Iris for Best International Début, in addition to a monetary award. Submissions for films will close on 28 June 2021.

Nada Doumani, director of the festival, said: “The international dimension of the festival is essential, although our focus is on Arab cinema. First-time directors often achieve masterpieces and our audience, here in Jordan, is made of film buffs keen on watching quality movies from all over the world.”

Submissions are now open for feature-length narratives and documentaries for first-time international filmmakers. To be eligible, films must be released between 2020 and 2021 and be Jordanian premières, and in the spirit of the Festival, must be the first film for its director. Additional information is available on AIFF website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

It should be noted that the inaugural edition of the AIFF showcased 39 films from 18 different countries. It brought to the residents of Amman a powerful yet safe cinematic experience through its use of Jordan’s first ever drive-in cinemas which were specifically built for the Festival. The innovative venue, the selection of films and the safe setting, drew in thousands of Amman’s residents. Last year, the Irish documentary, “Gaza”, was awarded the Black Iris for Best International Début by the audience.

The other awarded films were Sudan’s “You Will Die at 20” which received the Black Iris for Best Arab Feature-Length Narrative; Palestine’s “Ibrahim: A Fate to Define” which received the Black Iris for Best Arab Feature-Length Documentary; and Jordan’s “Huda” which received the Black Iris for Best Arab Short Film.

For all information visit AIFF’s website www.aiff.jo, or call us at +962792222011 or visit our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For inquiries regarding submissions to the International Competition, please email info@aiff.jo.
For submission of films, please visit our submission platform by clicking here.

Partners of the AIFF: Jordan Tourism Board; Royal Film Commission-Jordan; Abdali Investment and Development; Zain; Royal Jordanian; Pikasso Jordan; Ghiath & Nadia Sukhtian Foundation; Edgo Management Group; Greater Amman Municipality; Bank Al Etihad; Taj Cinemas.

Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film aims to foster a creative buzz amongst filmmakers and film lovers of all kinds, by offering high-quality films and opportunities to cinema professionals.  Whether you are a budding or an experienced filmmaker, an actor or a critic, an industry insider or an enthusiastic filmgoer, Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film welcomes you.