Film commission presents online initiatives to connect Jordan during time of social distancing

AMMAN — Following the curfew regulation and restrictions on all movement and gatherings, the Royal Film Commission–Jordan (RFC) has announced the launch of a number of initiatives that fall within the core of its usual activities and will be implemented online, according to a statement by the commission.

“Cinema takes all its value when films bring us closer during times of social distancing and open a window to the outside world...,” read the statement.

One of the initiatives is “Cur-films”, a free online screening programme every Monday and Thursday at 9pm that showcases selected films based on quality content and diversity.

The first screenings of the programme will kick off this week on Monday, March 30 and Thursday, April 2. Two Jordanian films will be accessible to the public and will be followed by other local, Arab and foreign films, the statement said.

“One Meter & Beyond” — referring to the required distance between two people during the current conditions — is the title of a second initiative, a short film competition open to all residents in Jordan.

In line with the commission’s objective to encourage the use of audio-visual mediums in storytelling and self-expression, the competition prompts participants to document their experiences or share their thoughts and tell stories, all triggered by “this exceptional period we are living in”, according to the statement.

A selection committee will shortlist the best three shorts, which will be posted on the RFC’s social media pages. The public can then vote for the winning film out of the three. The award, worth JD300, will go in the name of the winner to a national initiative providing relief to those particularly affected by this health situation.

On another note, the RFC continues to promote Jordanian films produced through its training workshops in Amman and in film centres in the governorates. A number of short films are being shared on the RFC’s social media platforms “at a time when we are in dire need of communication”, the statement read.

For more information about the “Cur-films” programme and the “One Meter & Beyond” short film competition, please visit the RFC’s website at www.film.jo or browse the RFC’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) @FilmJordan.