Jordan Times
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
New multi-media centre to give
film industry a boost
By Ramsey G. Tesdell
AMMAN — The Kingdom’s film industry received a big boost on Monday as HRH Prince
Ali, chairman of the Royal Film Commission (RFC), launched the construction of
the new Multi-Media Centre in Jabal Amman.
Located on Omar Ben Khattab Street, the villa is part of a historic stratum of
1930s’ architectural style, which is often classified according to its floor
plan a “the three-bay house,” according to an RFC statement.
RFC General Manager Pernilla Frykholm said the goal for the new centre is to
further develop the film culture in Jordan and provide infrastructure to
encourage foreign companies to film in the Kingdom.
“We are hoping that with offices available for filmmakers, editing studios and a
resource library, this new centre will be a creative and intellectual hub for
filmmakers in Jordan,” Frykholm told The Jordan Times.
Frykholm emphasised the economic impact a larger film industry could have on
Jordan.
“An Italian film company was here for eight months and employed 3,000 people in
seven locations around Jordan. They spent $2 million during their time here,”
she said.
“The new centre will provide space for capacity building and production
services. These two components will help us become a film-friendly country and
encourage more productions to come,” Frykholm added.
Prince Ali and US Ambassador David Hale yesterday toured the 1930s era villa
that will undergo extensive renovation before it opens in July this year.
According to architect Ammar Khammash, who is designing and supervising the
renovation of the centre, the project is also about revitalising older parts of
Amman by recognising their history for contemporary use.
“Tradition is very important and shouldn’t be pickled or frozen. During the
renovation of this building, it is important not to lose the soul of the style
but renovate in a manner that encourages a social role in the architecture,”
Khammash told The Jordan Times.
Khammash is an architect who has contributed to urban renewal and improving
social and cultural life of the capital’s neighbourhoods. Some of his renovation
projects include Darat Al Funun and Wild Jordan.
The Royal Film Commission was established in July 2003 with a mandate to develop
and promote an internationally competitive Jordanian audio-visual industry
through the advancement of human, technical and financing capacity in addition
to providing comprehensive production support services to local, regional and
international productions.