The Arab Film Festival kicks off in DC today featuring an eclectic mix of Arab movies from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia and Morocco among others. After reading the festival’s schedule I could not help but get a bit annoyed by the lack of Jordanian entries. What Jordan is contributing to the festival appears to be an 8 minute short film by Jordanian director Shereen Abdul-Baki. However, this short movie is listed as an American production, so I’m assuming it was made in the States. So in a nutshell, the word Jordan doesn’t appear anywhere in the schedule.
I’m aware that the Jordanian movie scene is still in its infancy, but still — deep down inside — I was hoping to see a full-fledged Jordanian contribution. I’m optimistic, though, as I know the efforts of some talented Jordanians like Ameen and Laith will soon pay off. We should also take our hats off to the Royal Film Commission for creating a movie scene in the Kingdom.
You never know, maybe we’ll find a Jordanian contribution in next year’s festival! I remain optimistic.
Kinzi, how about that stereotype of christian evangelists being annoying pests who travel halfway across the world just so that they can be able to talk down to everyone and everything around them, and act like they know some great secret which they have to constantly shove down everyone else’s throats?
Fits the bill as well.
Kinzi,
“Fits the bill”?huh?
Can you just take your arrogance one step further and publicly degrade moslems?
Name, now I think I know who you are too! Stereotypes happen when MANY people act in a certain way. Sadly, the group you refer to fits the bill often enough it’s almost predictable.
The best way to break a stereotype is to break out of the box! Yella!
Natasha,
I see you’re not only fond of journalism but also an IT expert.
I’m guessing you should be statued for you kindness of not revealing my identity which, indeed, I am very proud of.
Craig, what “beautiful sunrize in the horizon” are you talking about?
Be fair!The lady rarely, if at all, blogs good news about Jordan.
Not only, but she also emphasizes the stereotypes of some of the religious groups that constitute the Jordanian cluster.
Anon.
With regard to the lack of Jordanian films… all I can say is that it’s going to change soon. It takes a little bit of time, but it’ll happen with impact in due time.
Dear Craig,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m happy to know that you enjoy my blog. Hope you can visit Jordan one day to see the many beautiful things this country has to offer.
turns out Anonymous isn’t so smart after all.
I believe Natasha, and Jeff, usually put a realistic, optimistic view of the issues they choose to address. It seems their want for Jordan, and Jordanians at large, is very hopeful and heartfelt. When I read Natasha’s posts, I see a beautiful sunrise on the horizon, full of what Jordan could be. I think she relays what alot of Jordanians may feel, and for some of us in the Western hemisphere, it shows a peaceful and refreshing view of this part of the World, a view that we rarely get from the “main stream media”. Thank you Natasha for your dedication, it is to be admired!
Dear Anon,
Let me first start by saying that no one is anonymous on this blog. It is very easy to detect the IP address on Typepad. So I know who you are, but since I’m nice I’m not gonna reveal your identity;-)
The reason that I “whine” is simply because I’m not entirely happy with the status quo in my home country and I’m trying to draw attention to some problems we have in our beloved Jordan.
No I’m not happy with the fact that murderers get away with crime in the name of honor. I’m not happy that militant ideas are on the rise, and that there are some individuals who are busy planning to attack Jordanians.
And no, I’m not happy with the lack of Jordanian participation in an Arab film festival, but as I stated in my blog I’m optimistic.
When you love your country as much as I do, you try to make a difference and try to bring positive change to the society you grew up with. My artillery in this case is my words! They might come in the form of complaints, but highlighting the negative and asking for a change is the way I’ve adopted to try to bring about positive change.
Natasha,
I really don’t understand you!
You are always complaining and whinning about different issues from Jordan.
Would you take a break?
I honestly enjoy reading your thoughts. But it started to get on my nerves lately.
Look at your last five entries, three of them express utter annoyance.
Are you the typical Jordanian girl that moans around every little thing that streams against her current?
Please Natasha, look at the brighter issues in Jordan. The issues that makes us homesicks miss it for the joy it encompasses.
I always used to hint it to your face, you never took by my advice. Now I can express it clearly that I’m capable of being anonymous.
Anon.