Amman, Jordan | July 27 – August 3, 2026
The seventh edition of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film has officially opened, reaffirming Jordan's growing role as one of the Arab world's leading cultural destinations. Bringing together filmmakers, actors and audiences from across the Middle East and beyond, this year's festival celebrates not only the power of cinema but also the stories, identities and voices that continue to shape the region.
The opening night delivered one of the festival's most emotional moments with a heartfelt tribute to the late Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, whose extraordinary career spanned more than five decades. His children—actors Saleh Bakri, Adam Bakri and Yafa Bakri—took to the stage to honor their father, sharing deeply personal reflections on his life, artistic journey and unwavering commitment to Palestinian storytelling. Their tribute concluded with a standing ovation, setting an emotional tone for the week ahead.
Bakri, who passed away in December 2025, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Arab and international cinema. Through acclaimed works such as Jenin, Jenin, Wajib, and All That's Left of You, he became one of the region's most influential cultural figures, using film to preserve memory, identity and humanity.
A Festival That Looks Beyond the Screen
Held under the theme "Beyond the Frame," this year's edition encourages audiences to explore the stories that exist beyond what appears on screen. It is an invitation to reflect on the people, emotions and experiences behind every film while highlighting cinema's ability to create dialogue across cultures.
Festival President and co-founder Princess Rym Ali emphasized that storytelling remains essential, particularly during difficult times.
"Cinema has the power to build bridges between people, preserve culture and remind us of our shared humanity."
Since launching during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Amman International Film Festival has rapidly evolved into one of the region's most respected platforms for Arab filmmakers, supporting both established names and emerging talent.
Tunisian Cinema Takes Center Stage
Opening the festival was Sophia, the latest feature by Tunisian actor, director and producer Dhafer L'Abidine. The gripping thriller follows the mysterious disappearance of a young woman between Tunisia and the United Kingdom, blending suspense with emotional storytelling.
The screening also launched this year's Spotlight on Tunisian Cinema, a special programme celebrating Tunisia's rich cinematic heritage. The selection includes iconic films such as The Silences of the Palace, Satin Rouge, Beauty and the Dogs, and Exile, while acclaimed actress Hend Sabry and renowned producer Dora Bouchoucha are among the distinguished guests participating in public discussions throughout the festival.
The Best of Arab Cinema Under One Roof
This year's programme presents 82 films from 27 countries, selected from nearly 900 submissions, demonstrating the remarkable growth of filmmaking across the Arab world. Audiences can discover 10 world premieres, two international premieres, and five Arab premieres, alongside feature films, documentaries and short films competing across several categories.
The festival showcases productions from Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and beyond, offering stories that explore identity, resilience, displacement, family, memory and hope.
Among the highlights is the newly introduced Made in Jordan section, dedicated to nurturing local filmmaking through educational initiatives and creative workshops. Meanwhile, Amman Film Industry Days continues to support the next generation of Arab filmmakers by providing mentorship, networking opportunities and development platforms for promising projects.
Why the Festival Matters
At a time when Arab cinema is receiving unprecedented international recognition, the Amman International Film Festival has become far more than a showcase of films. It has established itself as a cultural meeting point where artists exchange ideas, celebrate regional creativity and reclaim the narratives of the Arab world through authentic storytelling.
The opening tribute to Mohammad Bakri perfectly embodied this mission. His lifelong dedication to telling stories rooted in truth and identity continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers who are redefining Arab cinema on the global stage.
Running until August 3, 2026, the Amman International Film Festival once again demonstrates that the future of Arab cinema is not only promising—it is already unfolding in Amman, where powerful stories continue to connect people across borders and generations.
