First Jordanian film nominated for an Oscar

The film was shot entirely in Jordan and could become the first ever Arab picture to win an Oscar

29 April 2016, 9:44am
by Staff Reporter

1 min read

Theeb, a Jordanian film, is the first of the country's cinematic fruits to be nominated by the Academy Awards

Theeb, a Jordanian film about a young Bedouin boy during the first World War, has been nominated for an Academy Award.

If the coming of age desert drama wins at the ceremony on 28th February, it will become the first Arab film to win an Oscar.

Theeb is nominated for the best Foreign Language film.

Set in 1916 in the Ottoman province of Hijaz, the Jordanian picture follows the journey of Theeb, who guides a British officer to a secret destination.

It is Jordan's second submission in the foreign-language race. Its director, Naji Abu Nowar, grew up in the UK and Jordan.

"An academy award nomination for Theeb means a lot to Jordanian cinema, specifically. It is also a reassurance for all independent Arab Filmmakers that our local stories can go a long way in today's world," filmmaker Niam Itani said.

The film previoulsy won Best Director at the Venice International Film Festival.

"Theeb is a very poetic and poignant film. Jordanian cinema is maturing fast and this is only the beginning." Itani added.