Aqaba, Sept. 1 (Petra) -Aqaba Culture Directorate and the Royal Film
Commission’s (RFC) Aqaba Film Center announced winners of the Aqaba
Short Film Competition on Monday.

The ceremony drew local artists, film enthusiasts, and Aqaba Special
Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) commissioners to celebrate emerging
filmmakers and showcase Aqaba’s natural and cultural heritage through
cinema.

Addressing the artistic audience, Tariq Bdour, Director of Aqaba
Culture Directorate, described cinema as a “vital tool” for
preserving memory and promoting local identity. He stated that the
partnership between the directorate and the film center provides
opportunities for training, production, and public screenings for
local creators.

ASEZA Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs Thabet Nabulsi
lauded “quality” of the submissions, noting that ASEZA remains
“committed” to empowering youth and building creative platforms that
support the local economy.

14 filmmakers competed in this year’s edition. Hammam Mbayed won
first place for his film, “The Door That Never Left,” while Mohammad
Ibrahim Khatib snatched 2nd place for “Aqaba City.”

Screenings of the entries led into a final awards presentation
celebrating the participants, as organizers pledged “continued”
support for local cinema initiatives aimed at empowering young
creators.

//Petra// HA