The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film has unveiled the details for its sixth edition, scheduled to run from July 2 to July 10 in the heart of Jordan’s capital. This year’s theme, “A World Unscripted,” celebrates the authentic, unpredictable essence of storytelling that reflects the unscripted nature of real life.

Festival President Princess Rym Ali elaborated that this theme underscores a dedication to showcasing films that challenge norms and embrace the authenticity of lived experiences. “This edition embraces the unpredictable and the deeply human in the midst of a volatile and rapidly changing world,” she remarked. “Life doesn’t follow a script; recent years have certainly been unscripted. Thus, we honor storytellers who bravely explore and narrate moments that feel more lived than written.”

The festival’s official poster, crafted by HUE Innovation & Design, embodies this spirit with a visual style that conveys both a playful tone and a subtle message of hope, reinforcing the core themes of spontaneity and resilience.

This year also marks a pivotal moment for the festival with the introduction of its inaugural “Country of Honour.” Ireland has been chosen for this distinction, showcasing a dedicated segment on Irish cinema within the festival program. Festival Director Nada Doumani emphasized the thematic connections between Irish and Arab films, highlighting how both cultures utilize cinema to delve into themes of identity, resilience, and the journey toward peace. She noted that under the theme of “A World Unscripted,” Irish and Arab narratives converge in their exploration of the human experience. Doumani also pointed out Ireland’s principled stance and unwavering support for Palestine and human rights, which resonates deeply with the region and aligns with the spirit of this year’s festival.

The Irish Ambassador to Jordan, Marianne Bolger, expressed her pride in Ireland being named the Festival’s first Country of Honour, extending her heartfelt gratitude to the Festival President and organizers. “Ireland has a rich legacy in cinema and filmmaking, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the AIFF to present a selection of Irish films in Jordan that we hope will resonate with audiences. Each Irish film showcased will, in its own unique way, connect with the theme of “A World Unscripted,” and I eagerly anticipate how these films will be received by Jordanian viewers.”