The first edition of Amman International Film Festival - Awal Film, due to take place in 2018, was announced today during the 70th Cannes Film Festival. This new festival offers a different and innovative concept in the Arab World. It is organized by the Royal Film Commission - Jordan and MAD Solutions, in collaboration with the Arab Cinema Center.

The festival's main competitions will be dedicated to debut Arab films, not only in the field of directing, but also in six other cinematic professions: writing, cinematography, editing, music, set design and acting. The competitions will include narratives and documentaries, both long and short. Debut films from around the world will be screened out of competition. Furthermore, the festival will comprise of a section that hosts leading filmmakers showcasing their first film in addition to their latest. Other sections and activities will be announced at a later stage, including in-kind awards.

HRH Princess Rym Ali, President of Amman International Film Festival - Awal Film, introduced the festival saying: "We are launching today this unique festival that has a different edge, by focusing on and encouraging promising talents. It is in line with what we strive at: developing and promoting an Arab cinema that reflects the creativity of the region and tackles the issues that are prevalent today." She also added: "We hope that this festival will soon be known as a major platform, a home for new talents in the Arab World."

The Film and Television Careers Connection (FTCC), which is an annual event held in Amman that connects professionals in the audiovisual industry, will be expanded in 2018 to coincide with and complete the festival. This will pave the way for talents in the various trades associated to the industry to be celebrated. Princess Rym Ali said: "The aim is to encourage all those who work behind the scenes and give them greater recognition in the region."

The 1st Amman International Film Festival - Awal Film is scheduled to take place from
Wednesday 20th June until Monday 25th June 2018.