Jordanian director Hamzeh Hameideh won the “Documentary in Progress” award for his feature-length documentary Asphalt, as part of the Cannes Docs program at the Marché du Film of the Cannes International Film Festival. This marks another milestone highlighting the growing presence of Jordanian cinema on the global stage.

The Royal Film Commission of Jordan confirmed on its official platforms that the film received direct support through its feature documentary production grant. The commission expressed its pride in this achievement, writing: “We are proud of this accomplishment and wish them continued progress and success in their artistic journey,” referring to director Hamzeh Hameideh and producer Mahmoud Al Massad.

"Warda" Steals the Spotlight at Cannes

Asphalt captivated audiences and drew significant attention for its unique story, particularly the character “Warda,” a donkey who plays a central role alongside the film’s main protagonist.

During a panel at Cannes, Hameideh jokingly remarked: “Everyone’s talking about Warda… they’re amazed at how a donkey can interact in front of the camera like that.”

The poignant documentary follows the story of “Dibs,” a 20-year-old Palestinian youth living in the Al-Baqa’a refugee camp in Jordan, who dreams of marrying his beloved. However, the death of several relatives in Gaza alters the course of his life and forces him to postpone the wedding.

The film masterfully blends satirical realism with human simplicity, portraying the Palestinian experience in exile and refugee camps through a spontaneous, everyday lens full of contradictions.

Asphalt was produced by Mahmoud Al Massad, known for his socially and humanistically driven works that resonate at international festivals. The film is the result of a creative partnership between Hameideh and Al Massad.