Amman: The 6th Jordan International Peace Film Festival was inaugurated at the Jerash Cultural Center by Former Minister Barakat Aujan, representing HRH Princess Rym Ali. The opening ceremony, held on Sunday, was attended by official figures, cultural leaders, and international guests.
According to Jordan News Agency, Aujan, during his speech, highlighted the significance of culture and cinema as vital pillars for community development and intercultural communication. He pointed out that hosting the festival in Jerash capitalizes on the city's rich historical and cultural heritage to bolster local and international artistic initiatives. Aujan also acknowledged the dedication of the festival's organizers, led by Festival President and Director Sameh Shwaiter, in using cinema to reinforce national identity and elevate Jordan's international cultural profile.
Shwaiter welcomed a delegation of Arab and international filmmakers and guests, emphasizing cinema's role in delivering universal messages of peace, human understanding, and cultural integration. Nizar Al-Harash, Peace Ambassador and Head of the Festival's Preparatory Committee, underlined cinema's capacity to address shared human themes across international borders.
Additionally, Uqla Al-Qadari, Director of Jerash Culture Directorate, and Mohammad Al-Ayasrah, Festival Administrative Director, highlighted the importance of hosting major cinematic events in Jordan's governorates. They noted that such events help decentralize cultural engagement and promote the Kingdom as an international filmmaking destination.
The ceremony also included remarks from festival guests of honor, such as Egyptian writer and journalist Salah Al-Basyouni, who praised the event's organization and expressed gratitude for receiving awards for his literary works adapted during the festival. Egyptian media personality Fifi El-Shahawi also commended the festival's focus on promoting art as a tool for peace.