Latest news with #AreebZuaiter
Broadcast Pro
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Amman International Film Festival unveils sixth edition lineup
The AIFF will present 23 regional premieres, including 16 films making their world premiere. The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) has announced its official programme for its sixth edition, which will run from July 2 to 10, 2025, under the theme A World Unscripted. This year's selection brings together more than 60 films from 23 countries, highlighting daring, original storytelling and staying true to the festival's mission of celebrating first-time achievements. Screenings will take place across Taj Cinemas, The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Rainbow Theatre in Amman, and other venues in Jordan's governorates. Among the entries are 23 regional premieres and 16 world premieres, including powerful works from Gaza that document the resilience and struggles of its people. To improve accessibility, the festival has incorporated sign language interpretation for selected films and will provide Arabic and English subtitles for most screenings. Additionally, three free public screenings outside the official competition will be held at Abdali Boulevard. Areeb Zuaiter, AIFF's Head of Programming, said: 'We turn to the seventh art to resist the narratives imposed upon us. In this upcoming edition, filmmakers pour their hearts into stories that defy distortion – stories that pulse with truth, complexity, creativity and courage. We are eager to bring these stories, both from our region and beyond, to the big screen and to make them accessible to the widest possible audience.' The festival features four competitive sections—Arab Feature-Length Narrative Films, Arab Feature Documentary Films, Arab Short Films, and Non-Arab Films—where professional juries will grant the Black Iris and Special Mention awards. Notable Arab narrative films include Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo (Egypt), To A Land Unknown (Palestine), and Thank You for Banking With Us! (Palestine). In the documentary category, highlights range from Abo Zaabal 89 (Egypt) to Tell Them About Us (Jordan). The short film lineup showcases a rich diversity of first-time directors from across the region. The non-Arab competition will present debuts such as Happyend (Japan), Armand (Norway) and All We Imagine as Light (India). Beyond competition, the festival will screen special selections including Under My Mother's Roof (Lebanon), UNRWA, 75 Years of a Provisory History (Switzerland), and several poignant works made in Gaza such as The Clown From Gaza and Very Small Dreams. Ireland has been named Country of Honour this year, with a dedicated programme of Irish cinema to be announced soon. The AIFF continues to collaborate with distributors to add further titles and expand its vibrant celebration of new cinematic voices.
Broadcast Pro
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Film Foundation-supported films shine at 75th Berlinale
The recognition of these films highlights the Red Sea Film Foundation's ongoing dedication to supporting unique voices through the Red Sea Fund. At the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, three films backed by the Red Sea Film Foundation— Têtes Brûlées , The Heart is a Muscle and Yalla Parkour —received awards, underscoring the Foundation's role in fostering impactful storytelling on the global stage. The Heart Is a Muscle was awarded the Ecumenical Jury Prize in the Panorama section. The film follows Ryan, a father whose five-year-old son briefly goes missing at a barbecue. His intense reaction to the incident triggers a series of events that uncover long-buried secrets and set him on a path of self-discovery. Yalla Parkour secured the Panorama Documentary Audience Award (Second Prize). Directed by Areeb Zuaiter in her debut feature, the documentary captures her return to Gaza—a place she first visited as a child with her Palestinian mother. After her mother's passing, a deep longing for her homeland resurfaces when she discovers a video of young men in Gaza practising parkour amidst the turmoil of explosions. Têtes Brûlées received a Special Mention for Best Film in the youth-focused Generation 14plus category. The story revolves around 12-year-old Eya, who struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her older brother, Younès. Through resilience and the support of Younès' friends, she embarks on an emotional journey to navigate her grief. In addition to these achievements, The Sun Sees Everything , a film in development by Wissam Tanios and produced by Christian Eid, won the World Cinema Fund Audience Strategies Award at the Berlinale Co-Production Market. Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: 'Congratulations to these incredible filmmakers whose unique perspectives have been recognized on the prestigious stage of the Berlin International Film Festival. Their success underscores the universal power that great storytelling holds and reinforces our dedication to nurturing independent cinema across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. At the Red Sea Film Foundation, we are proud to empower filmmakers and look forward to continuing our work bringing diverse, compelling stories to new audiences worldwide.
CairoScene
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Red Sea Film Foundation Celebrates Big Wins at Berlinale 2025
'The Heart Is a Muscle', 'Yalla Parkour' and 'Têtes Brûlées' were all recognised at the Berlin International Film Festival. Three films backed by the Red Sea Film Foundation have earned major accolades at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to independent cinema across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. 'The Heart Is a Muscle' won the Ecumenical Jury Prize in the Panorama section, telling the story of Ryan, whose violent reaction to his young son briefly going missing unearths long-buried secrets and forces him on a journey of self-discovery. 'Yalla Parkour' secured Second Prize in the Panorama Documentary Audience Award, with director Areeb Zuaiter capturing her return to Gaza and the resilience of young men practicing parkour amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression. 'Têtes Brûlées' received a Special Mention for Best Film in the youth-focused Generation 14plus category, following 12-year-old Eya as she navigates grief with the help of her late brother's friends.
