Awards and Closing of the 15th Edition of the Karama Human Rights Film Festival

The 15th edition of the Karama Human Rights Film Festival concluded on Thursday, December 12, 2024, with a closing ceremony held at the Royal Cultural Center in Amman. The event celebrated the winning films that embodied the festival’s theme, “Justice for the Global South,” showcasing works that addressed social and environmental justice through the lens of cinema.

On the following day, Friday, December 13, 2024, a Marathon Film Screening took place at the Royal Cultural Center’s theaters, featuring selected films from the festival for audiences to enjoy throughout the day.

Awards and Highlighted Winning Films

Karama Feather Award for Best Documentary Feature

• “Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza”
  Director: Mohammed Al-Jabali (Norway/Palestine/Qatar, 2023)
  Duration: 93 minutes
  Synopsis: This film reflects on the director’s personal experience of being stranded in Norway due to Gaza’s border closures in 2014. It captures the struggles of Palestinians in exile and the unyielding dream of returning home.
• Special Mention: The Lebanese film “We Never Left” by Lulwa Khoury, exploring the conflict between diaspora and belonging among Lebanese people living abroad.

Karama Feather Award for Best Narrative Short

• “Before Heaven”
  Director: Ahmad Heidarian (Iran, 2022)
  Duration: 6 minutes
  Synopsis: A poignant short film that portrays a unique human moment of hope amidst pain and hardship.
• Special Mention: The Bahraini film “A Beautiful Excuse For A Deadly Sin” by Hashim Sharaf, a moving story of regret and sacrifice.

ANHAR Award for Best Human Rights Film

• “My Memory is Full of Ghosts”
  Director: Anas Zawahri (Syria, 2024)
  Duration: 74 minutes
  Synopsis: This thought-provoking film delves into the concept of memory and its role in preventing violence, raising profound questions about collective pain and social justice.
• Special Mention: The Palestinian film “Gaza Sound Man” by Hossam Abu Dan, depicting the transformation of life in Gaza after recent attacks, capturing both the anguish and hope of its people.

Marathon Film Screening

As part of the festival’s conclusion, a Marathon Film Screening was held on Friday, December 13, at the Royal Cultural Center. The event showcased a selection of standout films from the festival, offering audiences an additional opportunity to engage with powerful stories and impactful messages.