Companies news
Re-opening of the Zaatari Refugee Camp Cinema
UNICEF and the French Embassy, in partnership with the French Institute in Jordan and the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, announced the reopening of Zaatari Cinema in Zaatari Refugee Camp.
The ceremony, which was organized in partnership with the Amman International Film Festival - First Film, included the first Jordanian animated feature film, “Salim.”
During the celebration, Mr. Philippe Duamel, UNICEF Representative in Jordan, said: “Today is a special occasion as we reopen the cinema in Zaatari refugee camp. In a place where recreational and cultural activities for children are scarce, the importance of cinema in supporting their education, awareness and entertainment is highlighted.
He added, "Today we are not only reopening the doors of this building, but we are reopening the doors to a world of imagination, learning and laughter for children. This has been made possible through the partnership established with the French Embassy, the French Institute in Jordan and the Royal Film Commission, to whom we express our gratitude for their support."
The cinema was opened in October 2019, as a partnership between UNICEF and the French association Lumiere Zaatari, and was closed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Four years later, thanks to funding from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the renovation work has been completed and the cinema is now ready to host film screenings and cultural and educational activities for children and their families.
His Excellency Mr. Alexis Le Coeur Grandmaison, the French Ambassador to Jordan, said: “For 13 years, France has remained committed to supporting Syrians and their host countries. This support focuses primarily on the humanitarian fields, but it is not limited to them, but also includes culture.” .
He added, “We are pleased that the funding provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will bring this amazing place back to life. The French Jordanian Institute will present a rich and diverse program of cinematic, cultural and educational events at the Zaatari Cinema for next year.”
Muhannad Al-Bakri, Director General of the Royal Film Commission, said: “We are pleased to be partners in the reopening of the Zaatari Cinema project, as it is consistent with our approach at the Royal Film Commission, which is to provide a cinematic platform for everyone, specifically groups that do not have a cultural outlet of this kind, as is the case in the camp.” Zaatari for refugees
He added, "We hope that this project will create an opportunity for the audience, especially children, to learn about concepts related to cinema and narrative. We also hope that the training programs in the project will be a platform for displaying talents from within Zaatari that will result in cinematic stories that the world will see in the future."
The screening of the film “Salim”, presented by director Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha and producer Shadi Sharaiha, was one of the most prominent events during the ceremony, as it won the approval of the children present and demonstrated the impact of cinema on their lives.