Star Wars Episode IX movie finishes scenes in Jordan

Scenes from the ninth installment in the Star War movie series were shot in Wadi Rum in Jordan recently. The Jordanian Royal Film Commission (RFC) agreed with American J.J. Abrams, the ‘Star Wars Episode IX’ director and executive producer, who said Wadi Rum is ‘breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect location for our film.’

Abrams said he felt fortunate to have been able to film in Jordan. ‘Between the warm welcome from the government and the dedication and hard work of the local film professionals, we couldn’t have had a better experience. We are enormously grateful.’

The ‘Star Wars Episode IX’ film benefitted from the Jordanian Film Incentive Programme, which provides cash rebates for films shot in the Kingdom.

It was a three-week shoot and the production team worked with more than 250 Jordanian crews, including camera, costume, creatures, special effects, and stunts. The Jordanian Armed Forces-Arab Army also provided logistical support.

‘The unique, timeless and diverse landscape of Jordan, along with its highly motivated production crews, makes it an ideal destination for filming. Having the latest episode of Star Wars shot here is a true testament to that,’ said HRH Prince Ali, chairman of the board of commissioners of the RFC.

More than 110 local and foreign feature films have been shot in Jordan. Wadi Rum is the location in several films, such as The Martian, and Disney’s Aladdin, scheduled for release in 2019. ‘Star Wars Episode IX’ is scheduled for release in December 2019.

MARTINA NICOLLSis an international aid and development consultant, and the authorof:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom(2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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