April 10, 2005

Dear friend,

The Amman Filmmakers Cooperative (AFC) proudly announces its First Jordanian Short Film Festival (JSFF '05) featuring over 20 short films, including 10 newly released productions by independent Jordanian filmmakers.

On April 18th and 19th, we will celebrate another milestone along the journey of the Jordanian independent filmmaking movement, which started back in the 1950s.

Today, with the digital revolution at our doorsteps, the landscape of independent filmmaking in Jordan has changed, for better. Now, the creative energies of so many talented filmmakers have been unleashed, where before only those with the means and resources were able to make a cinematic statement. And with the ever-widening definition of cinema, more and more film festivals are opening their doors and theaters to digital filmmakers, including our new wave of filmmakers.

From Ismailiya Int'l Film Festival to Dubai Int'l Film Festival, from BeirutDC to Carthage International Film Festival, and from Ecofilm Festival to Festival du monde arabe de Montréal, Jordanian films are claiming their rightful place alongside other independent filmmakers in the Arab world and beyond.

At the AFC, we do not take credit for those films we are about to present to you, we take credit for bringing the filmmakers closer to their audience on the home front. We credit the various filmmakers who, despite the near-absence of official or private sector support, have managed to create a niche for themselves regionally and internationally, against many odds.

While there is much to be done to keep the momentum going, it's our belief that the SJFF will spur the growth of independent filmmaking in Jordan by offering filmmakers one of the most politically and culturally neutral and socially responsible platforms available in Jordan today from which to showcase their talents.

Please join us at the JSFF '05 and enjoy the show.

Regards,

Hazim Bitar,
Festival Director, JSFF '05
Coordinator, Amman Filmmakers Cooperative