Beyond the Competition, the AIFF Enriches its Program with Curated Sections

Amman, 25 June 2026 – The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film is pleased to share several non-competing sections that enrich the official competitive line-up soon to be announced, for its seventh edition (26/07 until 03/08/2026).

The Festival is delighted to celebrate Tunisian cinema this year. In the spirit of “Beyond the Frame”, the “Spotlight on Tunisian Cinema” invites audiences to look beyond familiar perceptions while shedding new light on unique stories. “Tunisian cinema has developed a distinctive cinematic language shaped by boldness, reinvention and nuance, playing a defining role in shaping the modern Arab narrative and establishing itself as one of the most internationally acclaimed cinemas in the Arab world today. A longstanding presence at the festival through films, projects, filmmakers and jury members, Tunisian cinema has contributed to some of the most memorable moments in AIFF’s journey”, said Nada Doumani, Festival Director.

The “Out-of-Competition” section features a carefully curated selection of Jordanian films or Jordanian co-productions, not eligible to compete, but whose artistic merit and cinematic vision largely entitle them to be an integral part of this year’s programme.

“Made in Jordan” is a new section showcasing six emerging Jordanian works produced within educational or workshop-based filmmaking contexts. Together, the films reflect the growing diversity, ambition and creative confidence of Jordan’s next generation of filmmakers, while providing a platform for promising voices that deserve wider visibility and recognition.

Last but not least, the “Special Screenings” section features the screening of “Ma’ Rosa” by acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, that earned Jaclyn Jose the Best Actress award at Cannes 2016; the screening will be followed by a discussion with Mendoza. Nicolas Wadimoff’s “Who Is Still Alive”, a winner of Cinema & Arts Award at the Venice Film Festival 2025, offers a profoundly moving meditation on displacement and remembrance, bringing together nine voices from Gaza. The film is accompanied by the video installation “Still Alive”. The latest work by Dhafer L’Abidine “Sophia” will open the Festival with a rerun for the public.

Spotlight on Tunisian Cinema 

• Beauty and the Dogs, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania (Drama, 2017). 
• Exile, directed by Mehdi Hmili (Drama, Thriller, 2025). 
• Hedi, directed by Mohamed Ben Attia (Drama, 2016).  
• Making Of, directed by Nouri Bouzid (Crime, Drama, 2006).  
• Satin Rouge, directed by Raja Amari (Drama, 2002). 
• The Silences of the Palace, directed by Moufida Tlatli (Drama, 1994). 

Out-of-Competition 

• Cinema Kawakeb, feature documentary, directed by Mahmoud Massad – Jordan. 
• Sink, feature narrative, directed by Zain Duraie – Jordan. 
• Yunan, feature narrative, directed by Ameer Fakhr El-Din – Syria. 
• Ambush, short narrative, directed by Yassmina Karajah – Jordan. 
• Coyotes, short narrative, directed by Said Zagha – Palestine. 
• Hayat, short documentary, directed by Hadeel Abu Shuqair – Jordan. 
• Kentucky Gaza, short narrative, directed by Omar Rammal – Palestine. 
• Zahra, short narrative, directed by Hadi Shatat – Jordan.

Made in Jordan  

• Sanad, feature narrative, directed by Karam Awadat – Jordan. 
• Shadow of the Falcon, medium-length documentary, directed by Badr Al-Zawaideh – Jordan. 
• Acceptance, short narrative, directed by Danial Salman – Jordan. 
• Steps, short narrative, directed by Hayan Alyoussef – Syria. 
• On the Margins, short documentary, directed by Mohammad Alzoubi – Jordan.  
• TukTuk, short documentary, directed by Qasem Al Shahmeh – Syria. 

Special Screenings 

• Ma’ Rosa, directed by Brillante Mendoza – Philippines.  
• Who is Still Alive, directed by Nicolas Wadimoff – Switzerland; accompanied by a video installation. 
• Sophia, directed by Dhafer L’Abidine – Tunisia: Opening Film with a rerun for the public.  

In addition to the above, seventeen short films from previous editions will be screened to the public as part of the festival’s free screenings at Abdali Boulevard. To ensure the festival extends beyond the capital, a number of screenings will be held in selected governorates across the Kingdom. 

Remaining true to its commitment to accessibility, the AIFF will continue to offer tickets at affordable prices to ensure that cinema remains accessible to all audiences. And for the second year in a row, the festival is integrating sign language into selected films, making them accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.  

Films will be shown at the festival’s regular venues in Amman: Taj Cinemas at Taj Mall, The Rainbow Theatre, and the Royal Film Commission – Jordan.  Tickets will soon be available for purchase through the festival’s website www.aiff.jo

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. 

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