The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) was launched in 2020, its distinctive edge was its focus on first-time achievements in cinema. International juries select the Best Arab Feature-Length Narrative, Best Arab Feature-Length Documentary and Best Arab Short. Whereas the audiences choose their favourite international début film.

All winning films receive the Black Iris trophy as well as cash awards.

In addition to screenings, a programme of film industry events including master classes, seminars, pitching sessions and discussions, is organised to stimulate filmmakers in Jordan and the region.

- The Black Iris for Best Arab Feature-Narrative Film + 15,000 USD.
- Jury Award - Arab Feature-Length Narrative + 5,000 USD.
- The Black Iris for Best Arab Feature-Length Documentary Film + 10,000 USD.
- Jury Award - Arab Feature-Length Documentary + 5,000 USD.
- The Black Iris for Best Arab Short Film + 4,000 USD.
- ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Jury Award - Arab Short Film + 1,000 USD.
- The Black Iris for Best International Film awarded by the audience + 5,000 USD.

Special Mentions:
- First-time Lead Actor (Arab Feature-Length Narrative Competition)
- First-time Lead Actress (Arab Feature-Length Narrative Competition)
- First-time Scriptwriter (Arab Feature-Length Narrative Competition)
- First-time Editor (Arab Feature-Length Documentary Competition)

General Rules & Regulations:

• Submitted films must meet the general criteria below as well as the specific criteria for each section.

• All films must meet the début requirement(s) listed in each section.

• All submitted films must be a Jordanian première; films previously screened in Jordan are not eligible. Films should not be or have been available on any streaming platform in Jordan, commercially or otherwise.

• All films must be released in 2023 or 2024.

• Only rights holders and/or their official distributors are eligible to submit films to the Festival.

• All films must be in their original language and must be subtitled in English, unless the dialogue is in English.

• In case there are sections of non-Arabic dialogue within the film, Arabic subtitles need to be applied.

• The Festival reserves the right to decide eligibility.

• The final selection of all films and their placement in the programme are the sole responsibility of the Festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • One of the best festivals I've ever attended. Well done Amman.

    October 2023
  • Houssam Hamo

    Enjoyed every detail
    Thanks a lot.

    August 2023
  • It was such amazing experience in #AIFF
    A very selective and organized festival.
    We enjoyed the Jordanian hospitality.
    The workshops, seminars and Q & A Sessions were very useful.
    We hope to see you next edition.

    a television interview about #AIFF
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gjZp43rpX8Q&feature=youtu.be

    an article about #AIFF
    https://www.annaharar.com/arabic/culture/%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B6160%D9%88%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AD/04082022010750216

    August 2022