Amman International Film Festival unveils sixth edition lineup
July 1, 2025
Amman, Jordan, 2 July 2025 – The sixth edition of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) kicked off tonight in the presence of Princess Rym Ali, its President and co-Founder. It was also attended by Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein as well as a large audience including officials, A-list professionals, film lovers from Jordan, the region and beyond, all united by a shared passion for conveying cultural resilience through the art of motion picture. The event took place in the Hussein Cultural Center in the Jordanian Capital.
This occasion marked the beginning of a nine-day programme (2 to 10 July 2025) dedicated to first-time achievements in filmmaking, reaffirming the Festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talents and elevating authentic cinematic voices.
The Festival presents a rich and diverse lineup of 62 Arab and international films, many are world premieres and others have received accolades at renowned film festivals around the world. They are all recent productions, screened for the first time in Jordan.
The festival’s theme – “A World Unscripted”- underscores a bold departure from conventional structures and imposed narrative norms. It supports the authentic, unfiltered voices of Arab filmmakers, empowering them to tell their stories freely—particularly those at the very beginning of their cinematic journeys.
In her opening remarks, Princess Rym Ali referred to the theme “A World Unscripted” as “quite simply the world we live in. A world that has gone off-script. But the filmmakers we have in our selection are the ones who contribute to bring it back on track.” She reiterated the Festival’s role in providing a platform for stories that are often underrepresented, yet essential to the collective narrative of the Arab world, adding: “We refuse to allow our culture to die, even as engines of death and destruction fly above our heads.”
In light of the ongoing genocide in Palestine, along with continued conflicts across the region, and in a gesture of solidarity and respect, the Festival has once again chosen to cancel the red carpet and other celebratory activities, while maintaining its cultural mission.
The event was presented by singer Zain Awad and radio presenter Muhannad Al Jazerah, A Circassian performance was beautifully portrayed on stage by Al Jeel Al Jadeed ensemble, followed by the introduction of the various members of the juries. The programme continued with the screening of the Palestinian short film “Upshot”, directed by Maha Haj. Mohammad Bakri also joined the event representing the film.
The AIFF has announced Ireland as this year’s Country of Honour. Acclaimed filmmaker Jim Sheridan was in attendance. He has been instrumental in shaping global perceptions of Irish cinema through his powerful storytelling and iconic films. He said at the opening: “Every time you are making a movie you are projecting a belief system and to me that’s the most important thing.” He added: “Belief and truth are the things that are worth anything, that’s why Irish can’t stop telling the truth.”
Since its start, the festival has championed emerging Arab and local talent, aiming to grow a strong, globally recognized Arab film industry. Its industry arm, Amman Film Industry Days (AFID), returns with a full program of pitching sessions, workshops and panels to support films in development and post-production.
At its heart, the festival sees cinema as a universal art rooted in culture, resilience and humanity, offering a space to share stories and celebrate them.
Note: The full festival program and ticket information are available on the official website and at all screening venues: Taj Cinemas, Rainbow Theater and the Royal Film Commission – Jordan.
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.
