Al-Bakri started out at Jordanian Royal Film Commission in 2007 as a capacity-building manager and rapidly rose to the role of managing director in 2009.
The Arab Cinema Center (ACC) has announced that Mohannad Al-Bakri, Managing Director of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission (RFC), will be the recipient of its fifth Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade is in recognition of Al-Bakri’s remarkable efforts in revitalising and sustaining Jordanian and Arab cinema. The award presentation will take place during the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, scheduled to run from February 15 to 25.
The award, which coincides with the ACC’s celebration of its 10th anniversary, is designed to honour and highlight prominent industry figures whose persistent contributions have helped elevate the Arab film industry in the eyes of the international filmmaking community as a whole.
Al-Bakri, assuming his role in 2009, has played a pivotal role in revitalising Jordan’s film industry. His initiatives include the development of the commission’s funding and training programmes, as well as establishing Jordan’s first dedicated film studio complex. Under his leadership, Jordan has emerged as a competitive destination for filmmakers, offering breathtaking landscapes, acclaimed production services, and cost-effective shooting locations.
Starting his journey with the RFC in 2007 as a capacity-building manager, Al-Bakri swiftly ascended to the position of managing director by 2009. Prior to this, he initiated his professional career at the Hashemite Fund for Human Development, focusing on dynamic programmes that promoted the active role of youth in society.
Beyond his contributions to the RFC, Al-Bakri served as the Regional Managing Director of Luminus Media – Jordan (SAE Institute) from 2012 to 2015. Subsequently, he joined New York University in Abu Dhabi as the Director of External Relations and Partnerships from 2015 to 2019.
In a joint statement, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Co-founders of the Arab Cinema Center, said: “We take immense pride in honouring Mohannad Al-Bakri, the Managing Director of Jordanian Royal Film Commission (RFC) with the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award. Since assuming his position, he has made enormous and noteworthy efforts to advance the Jordanian film industry.
“This is evidenced by the outstanding success Jordanian films have achieved so far both locally and internationally, including InshaAllah a Boy, which world premiered at Cannes’ 62nd Critics Week, winning two unprecedented awards in the history of Jordanian cinema.”
Last year’s recipient of the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award was Mouhamad Keblawi, the Founder and Head of the Malmö Arab Film Festival in Sweden. Previous awardees include Chiraz Latiri, former general director of the Centre National du Cinema et de l’Image, and renowned producer and screenwriter Mohamed Hefzy, the Founder of Film Clinic.
Established by MAD Solutions, the ACC operates as a nonprofit organisation registered in Berlin, providing invaluable networking opportunities within the realms of co-production, international sales and distribution, film festivals, commercial exhibitions, and industry events.