The week-long event showcased filmmakers from both the Arab region and global arena, presenting a diverse array of 56 films hailing from 19 countries.
Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film announced the winners of the Black Iris Awards for its fourth edition. The winning films across the five competitive categories were unveiled during the closing ceremony held at the Royal Film Commission – Jordan. The event was graced by the festival’s President, Princess Rym Ali, accompanied by Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, alongside numerous officials, festival partners, members of the filmmaking community, and esteemed guests.
Over eight days, the festival spotlighted filmmakers from both the Arab region and beyond, showcasing a diverse selection of 56 recently released films from 19 different countries. These films had their Jordanian premiere at the festival.
Speaking about the winners, Nada Doumani, the festival’s director, said: “We are happy that the festival has grown rapidly, while remaining faithful to its aim and spirit. The program was rich and appreciated by the large number of attendees. The Festival is not only a platform to showcase the works of talented filmmakers but also a tool supporting the growth of the film industry. It is also a networking forum where personal connections and professional encounters take place; all within a spirit of conviviality and love for cinema and filmmaking.”
The jury members, introduced by the Jordanian Artist Zain Awad, announced the awards on stage.
The Black Iris Award for Best Arab Feature-Length Narrative was bestowed upon the Tunisian film Ashkal directed by Youssef Chebbi. In the feature-length documentary category, the Moroccan film Fragments from Heaven, helmed by Adnane Baraka, was honoured with the Black Iris Award ($10,000). The Egyptian short film My Girlfriend directed by Kawther Younes received the Black Iris Award along with a cash prize of $4,000.
The Jury Award for Arab short film was given to two films – Hamza: A Ghost Chasing Me by Palestinian director Ward Kayyal and Trinou by Tunisian filmmaker Nejib Kthiri.
The newly introduced FIPRESCI prize in the documentary section was awarded to Lyd by Rami Younes and Sarah Ema Friedland. Last, the audience award for best non-Arab film went to Hafreiat by Spanish director Alex Sarda.
