Tuesday, the closing awards ceremony of the 2nd Edition of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) was held at the Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC).

The ceremony was attended by Princess Rym Ali, President of the Festival, her husband, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the RFC and many other filmmakers and artists.

The event took place between Aug. 23 and Aug. 31.

The AIFF Director Nada Doumani told Roya News English that this year’s edition was different from last year. She said that the second edition was much bigger as they are covering more films and bigger areas in Amman and other governorates.

She added that this year’s edition was more unique as it had in-person encounters with filmmakers and film experts from the Arab world and beyond.

Regarding the COVID-19 restrictions taken by the AIFF to ensure the safety of attendees and everyone, Doumani said “We at the festival were keen on respecting all the regulations as instructed by the government.”

She added that in the cinema, the number of audience members was limited and people adhered to social distancing and wearing face masks.

She continued, “We made sure that all our guests are vaccinated, and only in a couple of cases, some of them had PCR test done within 72 hours.”

The event was also attended by the Egyptian writer, Bassem Youssef. Roya News English interviewed him and asked him “How such events have an impact on filmmakers?”

He said, “As someone who started with nothing and did not have any experience with TV, and then started working with the TV, I do know how important it is to give an opportunity for content makers, filmmakers and TV program makers.”

“So I do think that this is a very important thing. I wish all the best for the upcoming events in Amman.”

He lastly said that Jordan made huge efforts by attracting filmmakers and producers to come to the country and participate in such a huge event.

Roya News English also spoke to Princess Rym Ali during the event. Her Royal Highness said that holding such events in Jordan is very important.

The Princess said “It [the festival] aims at supporting the youth who have great voices and ideas.”

“So they make their first film and then sometimes they do not know what to do after their first film, so we like to support them and give them that small push so they make their second film.”

She continued, “It is important to have such a space like this event where they can meet new people in the film and art industries, listen to new ideas, exchange different views and thoughts. So I do think it’s a great experience for everyone.”

A total of 51 films from 26 countries which were shown during the event were released in 2020 and 2021. The films competed in different categories: feature-length narratives, documentaries, and shorts, Arab and international.

As for the winners, the “Honey Cigar” which is directed by Kamir Aïnouz, won the Black Iris Award for the Best Arab Feature-Length Narrative and a cash prize of USD 20,000.

The Jury also gave Special Mention to the feature-length Lebanese film "Under the Skies of Lebanon" directed by Chloé Mazlo.

As for the Feature-Length Arab Documentary segment, Algerian director Lina Soualem won the Black Iris Award for Best Feature Length Arab Documentary for her film "Their Algeria," along with a cash prize of USD 15,000.

The Special Mention went to the feature-length Egyptian Documentary "One the Fence" directed by Nesrine Elzayat.

Among the 18 competing films for Best Arab Short Film, the Egyptian entry "The Other Cheek," directed by Sandro Canaan, won the Black Iris and an award of USD 5,000.

In the Best Arab Short Film, the Special Mention was awarded to the Moroccan short "Aïcha" by Zakaria Nouri.