DUBAI: Productions backed by the Red Sea Film Foundation claimed top honors at the seventh edition of the Amman International Film Festival recently, highlighting the Saudi Arabia organization’s growing influence in supporting Arab and international independent cinema.
The awards ceremony was held at the Amman Citadel, in the presence of Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein and Princess Rym Ali, president and co-founder of the festival, and several government officials.
Lebanese director Cyril Aris’ “A Sad and Beautiful World” took home the top honor of the Black Iris Award for the Best Arab Narrative Feature Film. The film is a poignant drama following two friends as they grapple with love, loss and the uncertainty of life in a city facing multiple crises.
The film also took home awards for Best First-Time Lead Actor (Hasan Akil) and the Audience Award.
Egyptian director Mohamed Rashad won the award for the Best First-Time Scriptwriter for his film “The Settlement,” which follows two brothers whose lives are transformed after their father’s death, forcing them to confront grief, responsibility and harsh economic realities.
