Jordan, France agree to closer cooperation in film

AMMAN — Jordan and France are set to cooperate more closely in the area of film production and distribution, under an agreement signed Wednesday.

The Royal Film Commission and the French Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée signed the agreement, which pays “special attention” to the preservation of film heritage and to developing the art of cinema, according to an RFC statement.

The deal, signed in the presence of Princess Rym Ali — a RFC board member — at French Ambassador Caroline Dumas’ residence, supports the participation of French and Jordanian movies in cinema events organised in both countries. 

It also encourages the exchange of information and experience, notably in the field of cinema policies, training and national film collections, the statement said. 

“The ultimate aim would be to work on a co-production agreement between the two countries,” it added.

The signing took place within the context of the 21st Franco-Arab Film Festival, organised by the Institut Français in Jordan in cooperation with the RFC.

The festival concluded on Thursday with a screening of the 2014 French feature “Samba”, starring Omar Sy and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Notable films featured this year included joint Yemeni-French-Emirati production “I am Nojoom, Aged 10 and Divorced,” by director Khadija Al Salami, and the Academy Award-nominated “Timbuktu”, a Malaysian-French production directed by Abderrahmane Sissako.