Awards Announced at Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film

Amman, 10 July 2025 – The Amman Film Festival – Awal Film came to a grand closing tonight at the Hussein Cultural Center in the Jordanian capital. In the presence of Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein and Princess Rym Ali, President and co-Founder of the festival, nine days of inspiring cinema, international talents and cultural exchange wrapped.

The evening celebrated, not only the outstanding films showcased throughout the festival, but also honored the creativity, vision and storytelling that define the spirit of cinema. The sixth edition of the festival celebrated a powerful and resonant theme: «A World Unscripted». This year’s selection spotlighted films that boldly defy convention, where characters live beyond the page and stories emerge from the unpredictability, chaos and raw beauty of real life.

A highlight of this year’s Festival was the designation of The Republic of Ireland as the Country of Honor, with a specially curated section dedicated to Irish cinema. The festival was honored to welcome iconic Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan as the guest for the “First & Latest” section.

The festival extended its sincere gratitude to all filmmakers, artists, audiences and partners who have helped root this festival in its local and cultural environment while opening it up to the world, making it a reflection of human stories, struggles and triumphs.

The closing night featured the much-anticipated jury and audience awards, recognizing excellence in four categories and the screening of the short film “The Ant That Crossed My Sketchbook” directed by Chris Akoury.

Arab Feature-Length Narrative Films Awards:

–  Black Iris Award: “Red Path” directed by Lotfi Achour (Tunisia).

–  Jury Award: “To a Land Unknown” directed by Mahdi Fleifel (Palestine).

–  Special Mention – Best first-time scriptwriter: Tamara Owais for the film “Simsim” (Jordan).

–  Special Mention – Best First-Time Lead Actor shared between Ali Helali in “Red Path” (Tunisia) and Azzam Ahmed in “Songs of Adam” (Iraq).

– Special Mention – Best First-Time Lead Actress: Saja Kilani in “Simsim” (Jordan).

–  Audience Award: “To a Land Unknown” directed by Mahdi Fleifel (Palestine).

Arab Feature-Length Documentary Awards:

–   Black Iris shared between “(Y)our Mother” directed by Samira El Mouzghibati (Morocco) and “We Are Inside” directed by Farah Kassem (Lebanon).

–   Jury Award: “Tell Them About Us” directed by Rand Beiruty (Jordan).

–  Special Mention: “Abu Zaabal 89” directed by Bassam Mortada (Egypt).

–  FIPRESCI Award: “Abu Zaabal 89” directed by Bassam Mortada (Egypt).

– Audience Award: “Tell Them About Us” directed by Rand Beiruty (Jordan).

 
Arab Short Film Awards:

–   Black Iris: “A Passing Day” directed by Rasha Shahin (Egypt – Syria).

–  Jury Award: “Those Who Never Left” directed by Pierre Mouzannar (Lebanon).

–  Special Mention: “Mango” directed by Randa Ali (Egypt).

– Audience Award: “Your Excellency” directed by Musaed Alqudifi (Kuwait).

 
Non-Arab Film Awards:

–  Black Iris: “Familiar Touch” directed by Sarah Friedland (USA).

– Jury Award: “Dog on Trial” directed by Laetitia Dosch (Switzerland).

– Audience Award: “Tales From the Magic Garden” directed by David Sukup, Patrik Pass, Leon Vidmar, and Jean-Claude Rozec (Czech).

Throughout the festival, 62 films representing 23 countries were screened, including 16 world premieres. Panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals were held. A local and international audience attended signaling the increased outreach of the festival. As the curtain falls on this edition of Amman Film Festival – Awal Film, organizers are looking forward to next year’s edition, with existing partners and new ones and an expanded programming.

The Festival is made possible with the support of long-standing partners, among which: Jordan Tourism Board, The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Abdali Investment and Development, Zain Jordan, Royal Jordanian, Edgo, Ghiath & Nadia Sukhtian Foundation, Greater Amman Municipality, HUE, TAJ Cinemas, Olivewood Studios, Institut Français – Jordan. 

For all information visit our website www.aiff.jo or email us at: info@aiff.jo or call us at +962792222011.