Seizing the opportunity offered by the current shooting schedule of producers Vashu Bhagnani, Ali Abbas Zafar and Himanshu Mehra’s Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in Jordan, the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) is hosting a specialised film media delegation from India from January 30 to February 2, as part of the JTB’s plans to promote and market the beautiful locations in the country, including tourist attractions and places of historical significance. With a number of Hollywood films having been shot in Jordan, the JTB now aims to attract filmmakers from the world over in general and India in particular, to shoot their films in the kingdom. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is currently being shot on various locations in King Abdullah II’s Jordan, including Wadi Rum, Aqaba and Amman. Four songs are being picturised in this schedule, the completion of which will also mark the end of the Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff starrer.
At an Indian press briefing, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat (on extreme right in picture above), JTB’s Director-General, revealed that there was growing global interest in Jordan’s tourism sector and film industry. He highlighted the investment opportunities in the tourism and film sectors, emphasising the stability and security that Jordan enjoys in the region and the world. He pointed out the importance of attracting global filmmakers to Jordan for marketing and promoting tourism.
The Royal Film Commission (RFC) in Jordan provides significant support to the film industries from all countries, facilitating the necessary permits, identifying suitable filming locations and streamlining customs clearance procedures for technical equipment.
Managing Director of the RFC, Mohannad Al Bakri (extreme left in picture), said at the press conference, “There is a close connection between the tourism sector and the film industry… Filming remarkable movies in the Kingdom significantly contributes to showcasing its stunning locations and the distinctive Jordanian culture, thus promoting our country as a tourist destination.” He added, “Over the years, we have worked to attract and facilitate the production of numerous international cinematic projects in Jordan, and have witnessed the substantial impact of such efforts on the tourism sector after these films were globally screened.”
Olivewood Film Studios Chairman Raja Gargour (in centre in picture above) spoke about the filmmaking opportunities in Jordan, emphasising the “pivotal role” played by Olivewood Studios in defining and facilitating such opportunities. He highlighted the transformation of the film and visual storytelling industry in Jordan into a vital economic sector over the past few years.
JTB has prepared a tourist program for the Indian media delegation, including visits to sites in Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba.
Besides being a wonderful tourism spot with a rich historical heritage, Jordan also has a robust support industry which can facilitate any and every kind of shooting in the kingdom. Considering that Jordan doesn’t produce too many films, the support industry, which it has built to facilitate visiting units in their shooting schedules, is indeed commendable. A guided tour of just one studio — Olivewood Studios — gave enough indication that an Indian, Hollywood or, for that matter, any production unit can shoot its film in Jordan without hassles. The locations in the kingdom are so varied that one can shoot in Jordan and give the impression to the audience that the film has been shot in four or five different countries! The warm hospitality of the Jordanian people is a huge added advantage. The kingdom also gives cash subsidy to producers shooting in Jordan, besides waiving VAT. The subsidy is likely to be enhanced to 30% in place of the present 20-25%.