The AIFF Celebrates Ireland as Country of Honour Jim Sheridan to Feature in “First & Latest” Section
June 17, 2025
Opening Night of the Amman International Film Festival: A Celebration of Cinema
July 2, 2025
The AIFF will present 23 regional premieres, including 16 films making their world premiere.
The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) has announced its official programme for its sixth edition, which will run from July 2 to 10, 2025, under the theme A World Unscripted. This year’s selection brings together more than 60 films from 23 countries, highlighting daring, original storytelling and staying true to the festival’s mission of celebrating first-time achievements.
Screenings will take place across Taj Cinemas, The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Rainbow Theatre in Amman, and other venues in Jordan’s governorates. Among the entries are 23 regional premieres and 16 world premieres, including powerful works from Gaza that document the resilience and struggles of its people.
To improve accessibility, the festival has incorporated sign language interpretation for selected films and will provide Arabic and English subtitles for most screenings. Additionally, three free public screenings outside the official competition will be held at Abdali Boulevard.
Areeb Zuaiter, AIFF’s Head of Programming, said: “We turn to the seventh art to resist the narratives imposed upon us. In this upcoming edition, filmmakers pour their hearts into stories that defy distortion – stories that pulse with truth, complexity, creativity and courage. We are eager to bring these stories, both from our region and beyond, to the big screen and to make them accessible to the widest possible audience.”
The festival features four competitive sections—Arab Feature-Length Narrative Films, Arab Feature Documentary Films, Arab Short Films, and Non-Arab Films—where professional juries will grant the Black Iris and Special Mention awards. Notable Arab narrative films include Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo (Egypt), To A Land Unknown (Palestine), and Thank You for Banking With Us! (Palestine). In the documentary category, highlights range from Abo Zaabal 89 (Egypt) to Tell Them About Us (Jordan). The short film lineup showcases a rich diversity of first-time directors from across the region.
The non-Arab competition will present debuts such as Happyend (Japan), Armand (Norway) and All We Imagine as Light (India).
Beyond competition, the festival will screen special selections including Under My Mother’s Roof (Lebanon), UNRWA, 75 Years of a Provisory History (Switzerland), and several poignant works made in Gaza such as The Clown From Gaza and Very Small Dreams.
Ireland has been named Country of Honour this year, with a dedicated programme of Irish cinema to be announced soon. The AIFF continues to collaborate with distributors to add further titles and expand its vibrant celebration of new cinematic voices.
