Amman Filmmakers Cooperative

JORDAN TIMES

Short films to be screened at Makan today

Friday-Saturday, January 16-17, 2004

By Hada Sarhan

AMMAN — The Amman Filmmakers Cooperative (AFC) will screen three short films at Makan today [Friday] as part of the gallery's Friday Film Programme. The films, by Aseel Mansour, Dalia Alkury, and Suhad Khatib, will be followed by a discussion between the filmmakers and the audience.

The 11-minute drama “Alert Guns” directed by Mansour revolves around the character of Salim who feels there is tension in the air as the small radio blurts out military music. Salim believes a battle of a different kind is about to be fought and he is determined to win it.

“Like most of us, Nayef has a mobile,” (5 minutes), directed by Alkury, is about Nayef, a shepherd who is stuck in a job he does he not like. He also has to contend with the pressures of urban life.

The 7-minute “Suwar” or photos, by Khatib, is a cinematic tribute to local humanitarian activists who have dedicated their lives and energies to the betterment of others.

Hazim Bitar, AFC founder and coordinator, told The Jordan Times the company aims to promote and encourage independent filmmaking through training, experimentation, and networking.

“Film is a powerful tool for self-expression and participation. It is a catalyst for social change,” said Bitar who lives between Washington, DC and Amman.

No other medium, he added, can achieve the same level of emotional impact and influence over people's attitudes as films do.

However, he continued, the tools of filmmaking require a significant investment in time and effort that can only exist within a supportive environment.

Producing successful films, according to Bitar, needs various skills and disciplines — technological, artistic, intellectual, and managerial.

“There seems to be a strong correlation between a nation's place in the global order and the vibrancy and appeal of its films,” he explained.

The AFC, established in 2003, seeks to contribute to the establishment of a filmmaking culture in Amman by popularising the art and science of filmmaking at the grassroots level, according to Bitar.

“Amman is a city with all the necessary ingredients for an independent filmmaking culture,” the director asserted.

With 120 talented members, AFC hopes to promote and evolve Arab culture and help elevate the stature of the Arab world.

The cooperative will hold a film festival to screen films mostly produced by Amman filmmakers next November.

“Judges and film experts will select the winners for various categories. The winning films will be promoted in regional and international film festivals,” concluded Bitar.

All films will be screened at 6:30pm at a special ticket price of JD1.

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