Khaberni - The Jordanian documentary "Asphalt" by director Hamza Hamida and producer Mahmoud Al-Masad achieved a significant milestone by winning the "Documentary in Progress" award at the Cannes Docs program at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2025, reflecting the notable progress of Jordanian cinema on the global stage.
The film tells the story of "Deeb," a 20-year-old Palestinian young man living in Baqa'a Camp in Jordan, the world’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, who dreams of marrying his lover. However, the loss of several relatives in Gaza changes the course of his life, forcing him to postpone the wedding.
The film, which took about two years to complete, is characterized by a style that blends sarcastic realism and humanitarian simplicity, highlighting daily life in Palestinian camps.
One of the film’s standout elements is the character "Warda," a donkey that plays a pivotal role alongside the main character. "Warda" captured the attention of the audience and critics, as director Hamza Hamida jokingly commented during a discussion session in Cannes: "Everyone talks about Warda... happy to see how a donkey interacts in front of the camera in this way.”
The film received direct support from the Jordanian Royal Film Commission through a grant for the production of long documentaries, reflecting the Commission's commitment to enhancing the local cinema industry and supporting Jordanian creators.
