RFC conducts short film competition titled ‘We Are Jerusalem’

AMMAN — The Royal Film Commission (RFC) has announced a short film competition aimed at providing a platform for Jordanian and Arab filmmakers to present their outlook over the recent crisis in Jerusalem through films, the RFC’s Managing Director George David told The Jordan Times.

“The RFC wanted to involve all Arab filmmakers, so that they can tell the world their point of view on this sensitive issue, that is of major concern to them also,” the RFC official said. 

He stressed that the question of Jerusalem is a critical issue to the region, stressing the rights of the Palestinians. 

“We have the right to show that unbiasedly and share the point of view from this part of the world. What we would like to underline is the Palestinian Arab character of Jerusalem. We work in cinema, and cinema is part of culture. Culture is also part of what is happening, it is not on the margin of reality but at its core,” David added. 

The competition, titled “We Are Jerusalem”, seeks to encourage as much original content as possible, he noted. 

“We trust Arab filmmakers will show creativity and sensitivity in the work produced,” he added. 

In order to have a manageable size, the organisers limited the submissions to recently produced films (2017/2018) that do not exceed seven minutes while allowing all genres except documentaries. 

The competition is open to all Arab directors provided that each director submits one film only. Films shot on mobiles are also eligible, according to an RFC statement. 

Films are accepted in English and Arabic, and if any other language is used, the movie must be subtitled in either English or Arabic prior to the deadline on January 21, 2018, the statement said. 

David noted that the mission of the RFC is “precisely to promote and support the audiovisual industry”, adding that film competitions are part of this support as they encourage voices to express themselves through films. 

“We are not naïve and we know that such an initiative cannot have a direct influence on the course of events. Yet, we felt it was important to give a space for people to express their feelings and thoughts, through art. The RFC has always been a space promoting freedom of expression in the region,” David said.  

It is very important that the Arab cinema always remains active and rich in terms of producing films that keep up with any events happening regionally and globally, according to David. 

“The audiovisual industry is a very powerful tool today and there is a responsibility held by Arab filmmakers in that respect: to properly utilise this tool to deliver their messages, as well as to reflect the reality of their country,” David said.