Jordan’s Film Industry and Locations Draw International Productions
8 reported
According to a report from Variety, Jordan remains a popular filming location due to its cultural and geological sites, a dynamic film industry, and highly skilled crews developed over decades of hosting international productions. The country's world heritage sites, including Petra and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, have provided backdrops for major films since the early 1960s, such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," "The Martian," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "John Wick 4," and the "Dune" films. The new Olivewood Film Studios in Amman, the first purpose-built complex of its kind in Jordan, features two soundstages and a backlot. One recent domestic film shot there was "Grant Me a Son," by Jordanian sibling filmmakers Rana and Ahmad Al-Yaseer. Producer Gianluca Chakra, whose crime thriller "Boomah" premieres at the Shanghai Film Festival, praised Jordan's filmmaking ecosystem, noting that local crews have worked on major productions like "Dune," "John Wick," and "The Martian." Chakra also credited the Royal Film Commission for supporting filmmakers and attracting productions despite regional instability.
What’s reported
Jordan's world heritage sites of Petra and Wadi Rum have attracted international productions since the early 1960s.
Films shot in Jordan include "Lawrence of Arabia," "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," "The Martian," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "John Wick 4," and the "Dune" films.
Prashanth Neel's upcoming Indian action saga "Dragon" shot key scenes in Wadi Rum and Aqaba earlier this year.
Olivewood Film Studios in Amman is the first purpose-built complex of its kind in Jordan, with two soundstages and a backlot.
"Grant Me a Son," by Jordanian filmmakers Rana and Ahmad Al-Yaseer, was shot at Olivewood.
Producer Gianluca Chakra stated that Jordan has spent decades building a filmmaking ecosystem with experienced crews.
Chakra said crew members had worked on productions such as "Dune," "John Wick," "The Martian," "Prometheus," "Transformers," "The Hurt Locker," and "Zero Dark Thirty."
Chakra praised the Royal Film Commission for its role in supporting filmmakers and attracting productions.
Key figures
Ahmad Al-Yaseer, Jordanian filmmaker, director of "Grant Me a Son"
Rana Al-Yaseer, Jordanian filmmaker, co-director of "Grant Me a Son"
Gianluca Chakra, Dubai-based producer, Front Row Productions
Zaid Abu Hamdan, director of "Boomah"
Ahmad Abu Koush, producer, Bounce Productions
Maria Zreik, actress ("All That's Left of You")
Shafiqa Al Tal, actress ("Weapon Without Murder," "Our Males and Females")
Maisa Abdel Hadi, actress ("The Alleys")
Motaz Allabadi, actor ("Weapon Without Murder," "Our Males and Females")
Sources: Variety
