Jordanian Movies You Should Watch
Few people appreciate how significant Jordan is to the global film industry. Though people may recognise Jordan’s one-of-a-kind-desert landscapes in blockbuster films like Indiana Jones, The Martian, The Hurt Locker, and Transformers, few know about the films actually set in Jordan or produced by Jordanians. Here are seven worth checking out.
Theeb (2014)
Theebfollows the story of a young Bedouin boy named Theeb, meaning ‘wolf’ during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I. Set against the backdrop of Wadi Rum, the film follows Theeb as he tries to guide a British officer on a treacherous journey. The film takes on a number of sensitive themes related to war in this period, including imperialism, orientalism, tradition, and betrayal. The 2014 film won a number of accolades, including a nomination for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.
Captain Abu Raed (2007)
17 (2017)
17 is a pseudo-sports documentary film that follows a group of young Jordanian women on their journey to compete in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, hosted in Jordan 2016. The film showcases each of the girl’s backgrounds and life stories, providing insight in Jordan’s rich and diverse socioeconomic fabric. Don’t miss out on this underdog-cheering film.
Cherkess (2010)
Cherkess follows the story of an arrival of immigrant Circassians to Ottoman Transjordan in 1990. A love interest soon develops between a Bedouin and Circassian youth that presents the possibility of reconciling conflict. The film underlines the tension created by the clash of Bedouin and Circassian, which still impact Jordan‘s culture and traditions today.
When Monaliza Smiled (2012)
When Monaliza Smiled is an endearing, modern-day romantic comedy set in Amman. The story follows Monaliza, a Jordanian woman in her late 30s who falls for an Egyptian office helper named Hamdi. Hamdi’s identity as an Egyptian man working in Amman highlights the modern day racism, discrimination, and social barriers well known to Amman’s multi-ethnic residents. The film received a number of accolades and was featured in a number of film festivals after its production in 2012.
May in the Summer (2013)
This dramedy explores the trials and tribulations of May Brennan, a young woman grappling with her Christian mother’s disapproval of her Muslim husband-to-be. Throughout the film, she grapples with individual relationships with her family. The film provides an insight into generational and inter-religious tensions in modern-day Amman.
When I Saw You (2012)
When I Saw You is a 2012 Palestinian film showcasing the reality of refuge and war. The film centers around the life of 11-year old Tarek and his mother, who are forced to flee from Palestine to Jordan. The film follows Tarek as he struggles to adapt to the new conditions in a refugee camp, leading him to flee again. The film is a must-see for anyone trying to get a sense of the challenges facing refugees in Jordan. It was also nominated for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards.
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