Ammon News - The sixth edition of the Amman International Film Festival - Awal Film (AIFF) opened Wednesday evening at the Hussein Cultural Center, launching nine days of screenings and events under the theme "A World Unscripted."

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali, President of the Festival, and attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of the Royal Film Commission.

Also in attendance were Prince Abdullah bin Ali and Princess Jalila bint Ali, along with senior government officials, foreign diplomats, and guests from the regional and international film industries.

In her opening address, Princess Rym said the festival’s theme reflects a growing disconnect between global realities and traditional modes of communication. "This is the world we now live in, one that has turned its back on diplomacy, dialogue, and international norms," she said. "It is as if the world has chosen a different language, one of madness and silence."

She told the audience that while "madness and silence" may define the current moment, they are not permanent states. "This world is not a train that cannot stop," she said. "You, the filmmakers we honor here, and you, the audiences who give meaning to these works, are the voices breaking the silence. You bring empathy to a world growing more callous, and stories to a world that desperately needs them."

Princess Rym said the decision to hold this year’s edition was a cultural stand against despair. "Stories do not stop destruction," she said, "but they return names and faces to the dead. They remind us that we are not only pain and war. We also live, love, hope, and create."

She emphasized the festival’s role in bringing together first-time films from the Arab world and beyond with local and regional audiences. She also acknowledged the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II in supporting Jordan’s film industry and credited Prince Ali’s vision in founding the Royal Film Commission, a key partner in launching and sustaining the festival.

Princess Rym extended thanks to public and private sponsors, including the Jordan Tourism Board, Abdali Investment, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and Zain, along with individual Jordanian supporters who helped make the event possible.

This year’s edition features a focus on Irish cinema, represented by acclaimed filmmaker Jim Sheridan. The program also includes eleven Jordanian films, five Jordanian film projects in development, and six films produced in Gaza by local Palestinian filmmakers.

The opening ceremony, hosted by actress Zein Awad and journalist Mohannad Al-Jazeera, included musical performances and traditional Circassian dance by the New Generation troupe. Sheridan addressed the audience, expressing his appreciation for participating in the festival and reflecting on his experience in drama and documentary filmmaking.

The evening concluded with the screening of "Behind the Mountains" by Palestinian director Maha Haj, marking the official start of this year’s film program. Petra