A Cinema, A Legacy & One Man’s Fight to Return 🎞️🇵🇸 Experience Habibi Hussein at the Amman International Film Festival
Making its Jordanian Premiere, Habibi Hussein is a heartfelt documentary that follows the story of Cinema Jenin and the man determined to bring its memories back to life. After two decades of abandonment, former projectionist Hussein Darby returns as the historic cinema undergoes restoration, fighting to prove that experience and passion still matter.
Directed by Alex Bakri, this moving documentary explores cinema culture, identity, and the complex realities of rebuilding in Palestine through one man’s personal journey.
Event Details
📅 Screening Date: August 1, 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Taj Cinemas, Hall 5
🎬 Duration: 93 minutes + Q&A
👨👩👧👦 Age Rating: All Audiences
🗣️ Languages: Arabic, English, German
🔤 Subtitles: English, Arabic
💬 Q&A: Available
What to Expect
🎞️ A Story About Cinema and Memory
Follow Hussein Darby as he returns to the place where he once worked, determined to reclaim his role and preserve the legacy of Cinema Jenin.
🇵🇸 Jordanian Premiere
Experience this Palestinian documentary for the first time in Jordan as part of the Arab Feature Documentary Competition at the Amman International Film Festival.
🌍 A Reflection on Culture and Change
Explore the challenges of restoring a historic cinema while examining the relationship between development, identity, and local knowledge.
🏆 International Festival Recognition
Selected by major festivals including the Busan International Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and winner of The Shadi Abdel Salam Award for Best Film at the Cairo International Film Festival.
💬 Live Q&A Session
Stay after the screening for a Q&A and learn more about the film’s creation, Hussein’s journey, and the story behind Cinema Jenin.
🎟️ Booking Information
Seats are limited for both screenings. If a screening reaches full capacity, standby waiting lines will be available for any last-minute seats. Early booking is recommended.