Jordan’s Royal Family Amplifies Drive to Become Global Film Powerhouse
The royal family of Jordan is fervently dedicated to transforming their country into a global hub for the film industry. It seems as though the regal dynasty is poised to give Hollywood a run for its money. In the latest commitment to this goal, the government of Jordan has launched a fresh initiative during the Amman Film Festival to attract top-tier film directors from around the globe.
The proposition includes cash incentives for filmmakers, particularly those who are willing to portray the breathtaking sceneries and rich cultural legacy of Jordan in their projects. This significant venture carries the royal endorsement and is strongly supported by the monarchy.
The influential role of the film industry is considered ‘fundamental’ to Jordan’s cultural blueprint. The royal family emphasizes how the filmmaking sector aligns with their broader vision to boost the nation’s growth and development. They believe that this industry forms one of the cornerstones of their progress blueprint.
‘Our ambition lies in harnessing the wealth of these experiences to perpetuate the growth of our own cinematic industry. This isn’t just about aspiring to Oscar recognition for our domestic productions but about establishing an environment that fosters creativity and freedom of expression through storytelling,’ an involved party stated.
There is no doubt that Jordan is far from inexperienced in hosting blockbuster films. Over the years, the country has welcomed a myriad of A-list celebrities and has served as the filming location for illustrious films such as Dune, The Martian, and chapters of the Star Wars franchise.
The benefits of these film shoots extend beyond the production cessation; they include imparting local guides with English language skills. This endeavor allows the locals to leverage the increase in tourism driven by the popularity of major film releases, thus enhancing the community’s overall prosperity.
Interestingly, the roots of Jordan’s connection with the film industry are deeply intertwined with the royal family’s personal story. It revolves around the love saga between King Hussein and his British lover, previously known as Toni Gardiner, who fell in love on the Lawrence of Arabia film set that was stationed in Jordan in 1961.
At the time, Gardiner was a young woman of 19 years who had followed her father to Jordan and taken up a clerical role in the film’s production team. As the set was frequently visited by the young King, fate led to their meeting at a masquerade ball.
In a fairy-tale turn of events, King Hussein married his British belle in 1961. The following year, they welcomed their first-born, who is presently the reigning King of Jordan. Their family grew with the addition of three more children: Faisal, Aisha, and Zein.
Despite their fairytale start, their marriage was not destined to endure. After a decade together, their marital bond was legally dissolved in December 1971.
Even with the end of their marriage, the British princess has continued to be a part of the royal circle. She notably attended the wedding of her son to Queen Rania. She remains an active presence in the lives of her grandchildren, signifying the enduring bonds despite the shifts in family dynamics.
As the Jordanian film industry continues to grow, these deeply personal connections to cinema can only strengthen their resolve. With such dedication and royal support, Jordan stands ready to welcome filmmakers worldwide who wish to harness the nation’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage to tell their stories.