Filmed in Jordan: “The Martian” and Six Other Films Debut at the Toronto

Seven feature-length narrative movies shot in Jordan, including Ridley Scott’s “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, will take part in the 40th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. Kicking off today, the festival runs from September 10th to the 20th. The Toronto International Film Festival will showcase 256 features from 71 countries. Selected from more than 5,600 submissions from around the world, these seven films showcase what Jordan has to offer to cinematographers and travellers alike. 

This is the first time that this number of films shot in Jordan have found their way to an international festival in the same year. Amongst them is Director Ridley Scott’s latest science fiction movie, “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain and Kristin Wiig. Scott spent eight days filming in the stunning lunar landscape of Wadi Rum in Jordan and the movie has already been released with success in theaters. Three films being featured are Arab dramas, all partially or entirely shot in Jordan. These include the biographical film “The Idol” by award-winning Palestinian Director Hany Abu Assad, the Palestinian drama “3000 Nights” by Mai Masri and the first feature by Gazan brothers Tarzan and Arab Nasser, “Dégradé”.

Finally, the three featured action movies “Kilo Two Bravo (Kajaki)” by British Director Paul Katis, the Canadian “Hyena Road” by Paul Gross and the Austrian “Thank you for Bombing” by Barbara Eder are set in Afghanistan and were filmed in various parts of the Kingdom of Jordan.

“Foreign productions are attracted to Jordan not only for the variety of its locations but also for its well-developed infrastructure, the absence of ‘red tape’ and the availability of skilled cast and crew,” said George David, General Manager of the Royal Film Commission (RFC). He noted that “tourism is hugely and positively affected by a movie shot in Jordan, as millions of viewers are encouraged to visit a country they see on screen; hence the importance of close cooperation between the RFC and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB).”

“Film Tourism is an important market for Jordan; following in the footsteps of films like ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Indiana Jones’ and now ‘The Martian’ help make the scenes come alive,” said Malia Asfour, Director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA). “It is an important segment for us and we are excited to work with the travel trade on new itineraries and ideas for their travellers.” Toronto International Film Festival is certainly an excellent opportunity to promote Jordan as a cinematic and tourist destination for all it offers. 

Please help us with getting our dear friend, John Rutherford a little boost.

Let's get this party started!

Fundraising Websites - Crowdrise

There are few people who genuinely touch lives and hearts of all they know. How fortunate we feel to have one of those special people in our midst. Anyone who has had contact with John Rutherford knows a man of compassion and honesty. His family and his music are at the heart of John’s life. He has played music in this county for over 40 years and has selflessly shared the talents of his music and his time to make lives better for all in this region.

John and Joan, his wife of more than 50 years, raised 3 beautiful and talented daughters who passed down to their families a love of music. The entire family supports the arts and are active in public shows, theatre and school events, a true testament to a family living in harmony. The family harmony can also be heard on occasions when the Rutherford family performs in the “Reggie Show” and other local events.

It is because of our gratitude and respect for John and Joan we celebrate our appreciation by bringing our community together with music, food, dancing and great conversations with friends. As we celebrate John, we also support him in his recovery. John recently experienced a stroke which slowed his ability to perform.  He is determined and working hard to regain full ability.

Sunday, September 13, is officially John Rutherford Appreciation Day and will be celebrated at all Masses at St Marys and finally at the VFW from 4 – 8 p.m. where a silent auction, 3 local bands and great food and drink will be offered to all friends and admirers. We are hoping that the county commissioners will name September 13, 2015, John Rutherford Appreciation Day. A crowdrise site and facebook page are up and running.

Jordan Takes on the World - David and Goliath Style Longest Slip and Slide to be unveiled this fall to celebrate life in Jordan.

September 01, 2015, -- Amman Jordan. Event organizer, Monaco Business Development announced today that the tiny Kingdom of Jordan is ready to 'take on' the challenge of creating the longest Slip and Slide in the world. The slide is made in Jordan by Jordanians.  Monaco Business Development and the manufacture/creator Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation are preparing to offer a mighty ride highlighting to the world that Jordan is the best destination in the region to visit, work and play.  

The largest Slip and Slide will be unveiled at the lowest spot on earth, at the Dead Sea, Jordan. This one of a kind experience will be offered to hotel and invited guests to experience the craze and adrenaline rush at the lowest spot on earth at the Dead Sea Jordan.

The slide is being created in an effort to highlight Jordan as a family destination and a unique experience for tourist and local families. Mona Naffa, president of Monaco said, ‘this small yet mighty Kingdom of Jordan is a country rich in history and culture, religious sites and artifacts, and home to important UNISECO sites. We could not be more thrilled to offer this event to a most deserving region.’

Following the event at the Dead Sea, the event organizers have plans to continue the party by relocating the monstrous Slip and Slide throughout Jordan. Stops will include Amman, Jordan’s capital, a cosmopolitan city with a mix of the old historical sites. Using the Citadel in the middle of the city as a backdrop, the slide will offer a speedy trip down its forefront including a one of a kind blend of old and new scenery. Other stops include Wadi Rum and Petra. The slide will end its tour at Jordan’s only seaside port, the Red Sea, Aqaba. This growing resort living destination has the only 18-hole Greg Norman golf course in the Levant Region.

Ms Naffa added, ‘ultimately our mission is to drive economic growth for our youth and our citizens through tourism and destination development.  This time we will accomplish our goal with the "ride in a lifetime".

About Jordan:

Modern Jordan was founded by King Abdullah I after World War I.  It was then ruled by his grandson the late King Hussein for 46 years until his death in 1999.  King Abdullah II assumed the throne in 1999 and the country has grown to a peaceful and stable nation. Jordan is a cool destination on its own and open for business.  Jordan is also the destination of the new Wonder of the World-Petra.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sandy Dhuyvetter
US Press: sandy@traveltalkmedia.com
or Mona Naffa
Email: mona@monacojo.com and naffamona@yahoo.com
Phone: +962796600962
FB: Destination Jordan 

Lexus Tennis Tournament - Jordan is Living Large with Events and Celebrity Sightings

Visit Jordan and enjoy tourism as it should be enjoyed in a natural setting with world class events including as much pampering as you wish...Sandy Dhuyvetter

Legendary Multiple Grand Slam Tennis Champion Mary Pierce to Attends 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival

The Tennis Academy Amman, Jordan’s leading tennis training institute, in collaboration with Lexus Jordan, announced today that tennis legend and multiple Grand Slam champion Mary Pierce will be attending the 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival to be held September 4 to 11, under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal al Hussein in the Kingdom of Jordan.

In her first visit to the Hashemite Kingdom, Ms. Pierce will be the Guest of Honor during the 8-day Lexus Tennis Festival, which will feature local tournaments. Open to all age groups, the exhibition matches will highlight two top 70 international players including a Family Tennis Day with Ms. Pierce as the special star guest.

“I am delighted to come to Jordan and especially to celebrate the first Tennis Festival,” Ms. Pierce said. “It is an honor for me to attend this event and I am very excited to discover this wonderful country.”

Pierce, a French champion, turned pro at the age of 14. She won four Grand Slam titles, including the 1995 Singles Australian Open, the 2000 Singles French Open, the 2000 doubles French Open, and the 2005 mixed doubles Wimbledon title.

“We are thrilled to have Mary Pierce at our academy.” said Tennis Academy President Khalid Naffa who is the driving force behind the festival. “This is the first time we have hosted a tennis champion of her caliber in Jordan. Our kids are super excited and we are looking forward to building a long-term relationship with Ms. Pierce for the benefit of the game in Jordan.”

The 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, member of the International Olympic Committee and the Kingdom’s leading advocate of sports and its crucial role in the development of our youth.

About The Tennis Academy Amman, Jordan

The academy’s mission is to create a dynamic and professional environment for young and aspiring Jordanian tennis players to thrive and eventually compete on the global tennis stage.

Essential to this mission is hosting international events like the 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival, so that our kids can be exposed to the highest levels of the game and most importantly, to instill in them a belief that they too can one day become champions.

For more information about the Lexus Tennis Festival, please call: 079-696-9530 or email: TTAAMMAN@GMAIL.COM or check out our Facebook page: THETENNISACADEMYAMMAN

For more information about Mary Pierce’s visit and for interview requests, please call: 079-552-8589 or email: TTAAMMAN@GMAIL.COM