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Two Jordanian filmmakers are channeling the momentum of their acclaimed short film into exciting new ventures. Raghad Albakheet, who directed the project, and Danial Salman, who served as producer, are now separately developing their debut feature films following the international recognition of “A Subconscious Dive.”
The short film earned a nomination in the Alternative/Experimental category at the Student Academy Awards, a historic achievement for Jordan’s film industry. The work became only the second Jordanian film ever to receive this level of recognition. Created through the Jordan Cinema Academy program with a modest budget of approximately $4,200, the visually inventive piece explores psychological themes through underwater sequences and location filming across Jordan, including challenging scenes shot in Aqaba and at the Al Azraq Wetland Reserve.
For Albakheet, the nomination has validated her distinctive approach to visual storytelling and provided a global platform for her work. She credits the film’s universal resonance to its raw emotional authenticity and willingness to explore uncomfortable truths. Salman, reflecting on his first producing experience, emphasized how the project required balancing artistic vision with practical problem-solving, from coordinating child actors to managing complex logistics across multiple filming locations.
Both filmmakers view the award recognition as a transformative moment in their careers, with Albakheet now developing her first feature film and Salman continuing his work as a producer on new projects.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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