Ammon News - In a ceremony held at the German Jordanian University, Princess Rym Ali, member of the Executive Board of Commissioners at the Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC), inaugurated formally the Jordan Cinema Academy (JCA), a joint program by the RFC and the German Jordanian University (GJU). The ceremony was largely attended by representatives of the local film industry, as well as of the JCA's and GJU's staff and faculty.

Commenting on this official opening, Mohannad Al-Bakri, Managing Director of the RFC, said: "Today we celebrate the realization of a long-awaited dream thanks to the efforts and continuous support of HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein and HRH Princess Rym Ali, the role of the German Jordanian University, and the support of the Ford Foundation. Jordan has a strong film industry, and we look forward to the graduates of the Jordan Film Academy to contribute to its development. Congratulations to the first intake for their first steps in the world of cinema. A special thanks to the team of the RFC for their continuous efforts."

Prof. Ala'aldeen Al-Halhouli, President of GJU, stated: "The Academy is the outcome of a strategic partnership between the University and the RFC and is in an important step towards enhancing the film industry and supporting Jordanian youth with our strong belief in innovation and the importance of supporting creative industry." He added: "Through the Academy, we aspire to empower a young generation with advanced skills in various aspects of filmmaking, which will contribute to supporting Jordanian talents locally and internationally and open wide opportunities for them towards successful professional careers. This achievement would not have been possible without the insightful vision of HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and HRH Princess Rym Ali and their continuous support for art and creativity."

The Academy, which is established on GJU Jabal Amman campus, awards a diploma after students complete an intensive theoretical and practical program. The program aims to educate and train a new generation of filmmakers in Jordan, to foster talent and contribute to the local and international film industry. The diploma is accredited by the Jordanian Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission.

The curriculum of the Jordan Cinema Academy has been carefully crafted by a group of Jordanian and Arab experts and the faculty includes professionals from Jordan and the region. The same diversity is reflected in the first intake with 14 students carefully selected from all over the Kingdom, as well as from Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon.