Amman International Film Festival Reveals Non-Competitive Sections for Its 7th Edition 🎬✨

The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) has announced its non-competing sections for its seventh edition, taking place from 26 July to 3 August 2026, adding more cinematic experiences alongside the festival’s official competition programme.

This year’s edition, held under the theme “Beyond the Frame,” will celebrate diverse voices, unique stories, and emerging talent from Jordan, the Arab world, and beyond.

Spotlight on Tunisian Cinema 🇹🇳

AIFF will celebrate Tunisian cinema through a special section highlighting the country’s bold and influential cinematic identity.

Festival Director Nada Doumani said:
“Tunisian cinema has developed a distinctive cinematic language shaped by boldness, reinvention and nuance, playing a defining role in shaping the modern Arab narrative.”

The section includes:

🎬 Beauty and the Dogs — Kaouther Ben Hania (2017)
🎬 Exile — Mehdi Hmili (2025)
🎬 Hedi — Mohamed Ben Attia (2016)
🎬 Making Of — Nouri Bouzid (2006)
🎬 Satin Rouge — Raja Amari (2002)
🎬 The Silences of the Palace — Moufida Tlatli (1994)

Out-of-Competition Section 🎥

This section showcases Jordanian films and Jordanian co-productions that are not competing but are recognized for their artistic vision and contribution to this year’s programme.

Featured films include:

🎬 Cinema Kawakeb — Mahmoud Massad (Jordan)
🎬 Sink — Zain Duraie (Jordan)
🎬 Yunan — Ameer Fakhr El-Din (Syria)
🎬 Ambush — Yassmina Karajah (Jordan)
🎬 Coyotes — Said Zagha (Palestine)
🎬 Hayat — Hadeel Abu Shuqair (Jordan)
🎬 Kentucky Gaza — Omar Rammal (Palestine)
🎬 Zahra — Hadi Shatat (Jordan)

Made in Jordan 🇯🇴

A new section dedicated to six emerging Jordanian works created through educational and workshop-based filmmaking programmes, showcasing the creativity and growing confidence of the next generation of local filmmakers.

The selection includes:

🎬 Sanad — Karam Awadat
🎬 Shadow of the Falcon — Badr Al-Zawaideh
🎬 Acceptance — Danial Salman
🎬 Steps — Hayan Alyoussef
🎬 On the Margins — Mohammad Alzoubi
🎬 TukTuk — Qasem Al Shahmeh

Special Screenings ⭐

The festival will also feature special screenings including:

🎬 Ma’ Rosa by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, followed by a discussion with the director. The film earned Jaclyn Jose the Best Actress Award at Cannes 2016.

🎬 Who Is Still Alive by Nicolas Wadimoff, accompanied by the video installation Still Alive, exploring displacement and remembrance through nine voices from Gaza.

🎬 Sophia by Dhafer L’Abidine, which will open the festival, followed by a public rerun.

In addition, 17 short films from previous AIFF editions will be screened for free at Abdali Boulevard, with additional screenings taking place in selected governorates across Jordan.

Continuing its commitment to accessibility, AIFF will offer affordable ticket prices and, for the second year, include sign language integration in selected films for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

📍 Screenings will take place at:

• Taj Cinemas, Taj Mall
• Rainbow Theatre
• Royal Film Commission – Jordan

📅 26 July – 3 August 2026

The Festival is made possible with the support of its partners, including: 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, and Institut Français – Jordan.

Media Partners: Jordan Radio and Television Corporation, Al Mamlaka, Roya Media Group, Radio Hala, Bliss 104.3, Mazaj FM, Play 99.5, Pikasso Jordan, and 7Hills.