Jerash, Sept 6 (Petra) — Former Minister Barakat Aujan, representing
HRH Princess Rym Ali, inaugurated the 6th Jordan International Peace
Film Festival at the Jerash Cultural Center on Sunday, bringing
together official figures, cultural leaders, and international
guests.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Aujan emphasized that culture and
cinema serve as vital pillars for community development and
intercultural communication. He noted that hosting the festival in
Jerash leverages the city’s deep historical and cultural heritage to
support local and international artistic initiatives.

Aujan praised the efforts of the festival’s organizers, led by
Festival President and Director Sameh Shwaiter, in utilizing cinema
to reinforce national identity and expand Jordan’s international
cultural profile.

In his address, Shwaiter welcomed the delegation of Arab and
international filmmakers and guests, noting that cinema provides a
universal visual language capable of advancing messages of peace,
human understanding, and cultural integration.

Nizar Al-Harash, Peace Ambassador and Head of the Festival’s
Preparatory Committee, highlighted cinema’s role in addressing shared
human themes across international borders. Director of Jerash Culture
Directorate Uqla Al-Qadari and Festival Administrative Director
Mohammad Al-Ayasrah both emphasized the importance of hosting major
cinematic events in Jordan’s governorates to decentralize cultural
engagement and promote the Kingdom as an international filmmaking
destination.

The ceremony also featured remarks from festival guests of honor,
including Egyptian writer and journalist Salah Al-Basyouni, who
commended the organization of the event and expressed appreciation
for receiving awards for two of his literary works adapted during the
festival, alongside Egyptian media personality Fifi El-Shahawi, who
recognized the festival’s focus on promoting art as a tool for peace.

//Petra// AF