Is the Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC), a governmental institution?
The RFC is a public body that enjoys administrative and financial autonomy. It relies on Government funds, as well as private donations and grants.
The RFC was established through a temporary Government Law (No. 27 - 2003) which was later passed by the Parliament through Law No. 22 (2008). The RFC initiated its activities in 2004.
The RFC reflects the official ambition of having Jordan play a leading cultural and economic role, regionally and internationally, in the audio-visual sector.
What does the RFC do? What are the RFC’s main activities?
The RFC’s activities fall within three main categories:
Production support: the RFC provides support to film and television productions in Jordan. This includes, but is not limited to: location scouting and spotting, facilitating the procurement of location permits, providing customs clearances, and providing assistance production cost reduction by locating cost-effective services. It also provides some production support and advice for independent filmmakers. In addition, the RFC promotes Jordan as a filmings location.
Training: the RFC provides emerging film-makers and professionals, from Jordan and the region, with various training opportunities in all fields of film and television production. It regularly organizes seminars and workshops which are usually free of charge. Since its establishment, the RFC has also built several partnerships, including an annual workshops held in partnership with the University Of Southern California, as well as a Screenwriters’ lab (Rawi) held in partnership with the Sundance Institute. These partnerships play an important role in providing the know-how and adding value to the RFC’s educational programs.
Promoting film culture: the RFC organizes regular screenings with local or international partners. Films – narrative, documentaries and shorts - are selected on the basis of their quality; they usually are premiere movies in Jordan. The RFC holds screenings in Amman as well as in the various Governorates. Screenings are usually followed by a discussion with filmmakers. The annual Arab Film Festival showcases the most recent Arab productions. In addition, the RFC spares no effort
Who are the Commissioners? How did they become Commissioners for the RFC?
The RFC is led by a Board of Commissioners headed by HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein. The Board is made of eight other members, chosen according to their professional and cultural backgrounds. The Board’s role is to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the RFC mission.
Do you cooperate with other film institutions/organizations in Jordan?
The RFC does not aim to compete with other institutions and entities, but complements and supports any initiative that aims at promoting the film industry in Jordan.
What does the RFC actually do to promote film culture in Jordan?
The RFC organizes screenings of local, Arab and international films on a regular basis and across the country. The RFC organizes its own screenings and events with film-makers/producers/actors who are often available for a discussion with the audience after the screening.
The RFC also shows films from across the globe in partnership with foreign and local entities to help bring international cinema to the local audience.
