Amman Film Industry Days Announces Jury for Its Development and Post-Production Pitching Platforms
July 8, 2026
Amman, 20 July 2026 – The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film has revealed the distinguished guests for its Public Conversations Programme at the Festival’s seventh edition (26 July – 3 Aug 2026). The programme will welcome the Tunisian actress and producer Hend Sabry and Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha as part of the Spotlight on Tunisian Cinema programme. Joining them are actor and activist Khalid Abdalla, and acclaimed Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, who will each take part in conversations exploring their artistic journeys.
These conversations reaffirm the Festival’s commitment to being more than a film screening platform; they reflect its role as a genuine space for bringing together Arab and international cinematic voices whose careers have been shaped by diverse experiences and perspectives. They offer audiences and filmmakers a rare opportunity to engage with the journeys that have defined these guests’ careers and shaped their cinematic vision today.
Dora Bouchoucha
Moderated by Bassam Alasad
Location: Royal Film Commission – Jordan
Date: 1 August, 8:00 PM
This public talk goes through the remarkable career of acclaimed Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, from the first films she produced to her most recent productions, highlighting her works with some of the leading Tunisian and Arab filmmakers. It also explores her contribution to film development initiatives, including Sud Écriture and the Carthage Film Festival.
The discussion will further examine today’s film financing landscape, offering insights into how filmmakers navigate film funds and international co-productions.
Public Conversations
In Conversation with Khalid Abdalla: Artivism, the Artist as a driver of change
Moderated by Mary Nazzal-Batayneh
Location: Rainbow Theatre
Date: 27 July, 6:00 PM
What responsibility does an artist bear when reality demands taking a stand? In this public talk, actor, writer and activist Khalid Abdalla reflects on a career shaped at the intersection of performance, art, politics, identity and collective action. The discussion explores how artists can engage with the defining issues of our time without reducing their work to slogans, and how a public platform can be transformed into meaningful action derived from the sense of responsibility.
In Conversation with Hend Sabry: Beyond the Role, Journey Across Arab Cinema
Moderated by Fadi G. Haddad
Location: Rainbow Theatre
Date: 29 July, 6:00 PM
From her beginnings in Tunisian cinema to becoming one of the Arab world’s most celebrated actors, Hend Sabry has built a distinguished career that transcends borders and generations. In this public talk, she reflects on her journey from Tunisia to Egypt, discussing her approach to developing characters, the principles that guide her choice of projects, and how she has continually evolved her craft and career while navigating the demands of fame and the changing landscape of cinema.
In Conversation with Brillante Mendoza after Ma’ Rosa Screening
Moderated by Murad Abu Eisheh
Location: Rainbow Theatre
Date: 31 July, 8:00 PM
Following the screening of Ma’ Rosa (6:00 PM), internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza joins the audience for a conversation exploring his distinctive cinematic style and his commitment to telling the stories of ordinary people with honesty and humanity. Mendoza also shares his perspective on filmmaking and his approach to directing actors, drawing on a career spanning more than two decades.
The Festival is made possible with the support of its partners, among which: Jordan Tourism Board, The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Abdali Investment and Development, Zain Jordan, Royal Jordanian, Ministry of Culture, Ghiath & Nadia Sukhtian Foundation, Greater Amman Municipality, Cozmo, FromSoda, TAJ Cinemas, Institut Français – Jordan.
Media Partners: Jordan Radio & Television Corporation; Al Mamlaka, Roya Media Group; Radio Hala; Bliss 104.3; Mazaj FM; Play 99.5; Pikasso Jordan; 7Hills.
For all information visit our website, or email us at: info@aiff.jo or call us at +962792222011.
