The AIFF’s Opening Celebrates Tunisian Cinema and Honors the Legacy of the Late Mohammad Bakri   

Amman, 26 July 2026 – The seventh edition of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film was officially launched at Al Hussein Cultural Center in the heart of Amman this evening. The opening ceremony was attended by Princess Rym Ali, President of the Festival, alongside Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, and film professionals, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from Jordan and abroad.
 
Commenting on this year’s theme, Princess Rym said: “Beyond the frame live culture, memory and experience. These are what give films their emotion, authenticity and unique voice. For Arab filmmakers, looking beyond the frame also means reclaiming our own narratives. For too long, others decided which stories deserved to be seen, what was inside the frame, and what was to be left out.”
 
This year, the festival is celebrating Tunisian cinema and the creativity of its filmmakers by putting the spotlight on six of their most acclaimed works. In this context, the opening film “Sophia”, the latest feature by actor and director Dhafer L’Abidine, was screened, with L’Abidine attending and presenting the film to the audience. Adding a musical touch to the occasion, Jordanian artist Yazan Al Rousan performed the song “Sabah El Khair Tunis”.
 
During the ceremony, a special tribute was dedicated to the late Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri, in the presence of his family – actors Saleh Bakri, Adam Bakri and Yafa Bakri, as well as his wife Laila. The family spoke of him both as an artist and as a father.
 
The opening was hosted by Jordanian artist Zain Awad and radio presenter Muhannad Al Jazerah, who introduced the members of the juries for the Festival’s competitive sections and the Amman Film Industry Days. These juries will be responsible for selecting this year’s award-winning films and projects.
 

Tonight’s event marked the beginning of a nine-day programme, running until 3 August 2026, featuring a carefully curated selection of Arab and international films, all premiering in Jordan, with many also making their world premieres. The programme is further enriched by panel discussions, public conversations, and meetings with film professionals and cinema stars.

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.