The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) was launched in 2020, its distinctive edge is its focus on first-time achievements in cinema. International Juries select the Best Arab Feature-Length Narrative, Best Arab Feature-Length Documentary Best Arab Short and Best Non-Arab Feature Narrative or Documentary; in addition to the Jury Awards and the Special Mentions. Another designated international Jury, made up of film critics, offers the FIPRESCI prize for one of the competing films in the Documentary section. Whereas the audience chooses their favourite film across all categories, including their favorite international début.

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 a market - is organised to stimulate filmmakers in Jordan and the region.

Awards & Prizes

JURY
- The Black Iris for Best Arab Feature-Length 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 Non-Arab Feature Film: 4,000 USD.
- Jury Award - Non-Arab Feature Film: 1,000 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)

AUDIENCE Awards apply to all above categories

FIPRESCI Prize:
- Arab Feature-Length Documentary Section

Rules & Terms

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 2025 or 2026.

• 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.

• For films participating in the Arab Sections, in case there are parts 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.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Msallam Hdaib

    Amman, my city. Im overwhelmed by the love and acknowledgment I received from my own people. Awal film festival is by far the best motion picture experience I’ve witnessed)

    July 2025
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  • Eslam Qotb

    One of the best festivals I've ever attended, with a very friendly atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, and impressive attention to every small detail. I'm truly glad my film was part of AIFF 2025.

    July 2025
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  • Qais Noamani

    Amman Film Festival has proven itself on a Middle Eastern level, becoming an important destination for filmmakers across the Arab world and the region.
    Thank you to the entire team behind this remarkable event.

    July 2025
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  • Azza Hourani

    AIFF's main theme, "Awal Film," focuses on supporting first-time filmmakers, which is incredibly important given that Jordan's film industry is relatively young in the region. However, I wish the festival were shorter in duration to maximize its impact within a more condensed timeframe, rather than spreading it over ten or so days.

    That said, the organization is amazing, the panels are insightful, and the support we received for our film, which was programmed in the regional competition, was outstanding. Thank you to everyone behind the festival.

    July 2024
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  • Daniela Stephan

    One of the best festivals I've ever attended. Well done Amman.

    October 2023
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