FRENCH THINK TANK RECOGNIZES COOPERATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS

(AMMAN, December 16, 2007) In a book published by the Institut Français du Proche-Orient, titled Amman de pierre et de paix ("Amman of stone and peace"), author Myriam Ababsa, a French-Algerian researcher based in Jordan, selects 27 Jordanians whose contributions influenced the political, social, and cultural development of the modern city of Amman, Jordan.

Amongst those selected, two Cooperative filmmakers were privileged with their inclusion: Hazim Bitar, founder and coordinator of the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative and filmmaker Dalia Alkury, who launched her filmmaking career at the Cooperative. The list includes cartoonist Emad Hajjaj (Abu Mahjoob), Randi Abdin, Mustafa Hamarne, Samar Dudin, Elia Khoury, and Oroub al Abed.

Amman is the third Arab city after Algiers and Casablanca to be featured in a series of books about Cities in Motion. French photographer Fabien Calcavechia of the Cartier Foundation provided photos for the stories.

French Ambassador in Amman, Denys Gauer, and Amman city Mayor, Omar Maani, held a reception for the book launch at the French Embassy. During the reception, video art by Randi Abdin and films by the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative entertained the guests.

The book was originally written and printed in French, but will be translated into Arabic in 2008. The French version can be purchased from Amazon.fr or other online bookstores.

Related links:

Institut Français du Proche-Orient
http://www.ifporient.org

Amman Filmmakers Cooperative
http://JordanianFilms.com

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http://JordanianFilms.com