This June, Jordanian filmmaker Zaid Abu Hamdan will take BOOMAH to one of cinema’s biggest international stages. The film is set to become the first Jordanian feature to screen at the Shanghai International Film Festival, where it will compete in the Asian New Talent Competition. Supported by the Red Sea Film Fund and led by a star-studded Arab cast, BOOMAH is already shaping up to be one of the region’s most exciting festival entries of the year.
A Major Festival Moment for Jordanian Cinema
Being the first Jordanian movie to premiere at the Shanghai International Film Festival is no small feat. Chosen from thousands of submissions, BOOMAH has secured a coveted spot in the festival’s Asian New Talent Competition, placing it alongside some of the most promising emerging voices in international cinema.
For Jordanian filmmaking, the selection marks another step forward on the global stage, bringing local stories and talent to one of Asia’s most influential film festivals.
The Filmmaker Bringing Overlooked Stories to the Screen
Written and directed by Abu Hamdan, BOOMAH follows the filmmaker’s acclaimed debut feature, Daughters of Abdulrahman, which earned widespread praise across the region.
According to the director, the film draws inspiration from real women whose experiences often go unheard, continuing his interest in exploring complex social realities through deeply human stories.
The project is produced by Front Row Productions, Bounce Productions, and Beyt Al Shawareb, with support from the Royal Film Commission – Jordan.
Meet the Cast of BOOMAH
Leading the film is Rakeen Saad, known for her standout performances in AlRawabi School for Girls and Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo.
She is joined by a strong ensemble cast that includes Majd Eid, Nabil Alraee, Joanna Arida, Farah Bsieso, and Hanan Hillo.
The Story of a Survivor of Jordan’s Underworld
Set on the fringes of Jordanian society, BOOMAH centers on a feared street enforcer navigating an underground world fueled by intimidation, extortion, and personal favors. Used to surviving within a system shaped by corruption and inequality, her life takes an unexpected turn when two vulnerable children enter the picture.
A Fight for Dignity and Belonging
As questions of family, belonging, and motherhood begin to challenge everything she thought she knew, larger criminal networks start closing in around her. What follows is a struggle not only for survival, but for dignity, identity, and a place in a society that has long written people like her off.
With an acclaimed director, a powerful story, and a cast stacked with regional talent, BOOMAH heads to Shanghai carrying high expectations. Still, its selection alone signals growing international interest in the stories emerging from Jordan and the wider Arab film industry.
We Said This: Don’t Miss… The Many Faces of Rakeen Saad: 6 Roles That Made Her a Fan Favorite
