AMMAN — HRH Prince Ali, chairman of the board of commissioners of the Royal Film Commission, on Sunday evening attended the opening ceremony of the seventh Amman International Film Festival - Awal Film.

 

HRH Princess Rym Ali, president of the festival, launched the seventh edition of the festival, titled "Beyond the Frame," held at the Hussein Cultural Centre in Amman, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Princess Rym delivered an opening speech in the presence of HRH Prince Abdullah and HRH Princess Jalilah.

 

She said that this edition invites audiences to look beyond the frame, where culture, memory, and shared experiences lend films their authenticity and distinct voice.

 

The princess added that Arab filmmakers must reclaim their narrative, as others have long dictated which stories are told and which are left out.

 

Former prime minister Omar Razzaz, Greater Amman Municipality Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh, officials, diplomats, and international cinema stars attended the ceremony.

 

The event featured a tribute to the late Palestinian artist Mohammad Bakri, which included a short film on his art career.

 

His children Saleh, Adam, and Yafa read a commemorative message alongside their mother Leila.

 

The seventh edition celebrates Tunisian cinema by highlighting six notable works by Tunisian filmmakers.

 

Presenters Muhanad Jazirah and Zain Awad introduced singer Yazan Rousan, who performed a song titled "Good Morning Tunisia" blending Jordanian and Tunisian dialects.

 

Tunisian actor and director Dhafer L'Abidine expressed his gratitude to Jordan and the festival organisers.

 

He said that he was happy that his feature film "Sofia" was selected as the opening film.

 

Festival organisers screened "Sofia" to open the event, which runs through August 3, with L'Abidine presenting his work in person.

 

The festival showcases Arab and international films premiering for the first time in Jordan, alongside panel discussions, seminars, and workshops with industry professionals.