تسلية

What is Hakaya Festival?

Every year, the Hakaya Festival – organized by Al Balad Theater, celebrates the art of storytelling for one whole week, usually in September, through oral storytelling, performances, workshops, and seminars. Taking place in Amman, Petra and other popular spots in Jordan, Hakaya Festival brings you the longstanding tradition of storytelling through rippling and memorable diverse performances from diverse countries in the region.

This year is the 11th annual year of the Hakaya Festival where it promotes and portrays intercultural dialogue between cultures and generations that are celebrated by all ages.

Fueled by creative imagination and timeless memories and stories that are inspiring, intriguing, and immersive, the Hakaya Festival proves to us how culturally wired humanity is and how all of us on earth are somehow connected one way or the other.
Here are 3 lessons we learned from Jordan’s immersive Hakaya Festival.

Storytelling has no boundaries

Storytelling is an adventure that catapults you in the moment in real time and with Hakaya Festival’s storytellers that come from a variety of walks of life, you get to experience a human connection like no other. This is what ultimately made the experience so powerful and valuable. Mingled with different forms of storytelling methods with dancing, music, theatre, film, open-ended discussions, and personal stories that are inspired from real life experiences, you get to witness a raw connection where you can ultimately relate to the performers way beyond their shared stories and where they are from.

Women are survivors

Women have come a long way and with epic stories to date to depict that. British-Indian storyteller Sita Brand, welcomed us all on an exhilarating journey with tales of spirited and courageous women from around the world, titled “Fearless Girls and Feisty Women.” Resonating from both the past and modern times, the stories lightheartedly remind us the beauty of how far we have come. Although we are separated geographically, women have come out revolutionary by transforming the world around them towards a more feminist future, where our voices are heard, and to making anything we want possible. Together, women have survived and defeated their personal challenges to an uplifting society we live in today.

Arabic folk literature is eternal

Since ancient times, Arabic folk tales have been shared and spread orally to their listeners. This has been going on for thousands of years with the folk storytelling scene still gaining popularity to this day. A longstanding tradition of stories that have been handed down through generations and generations to come, Arabic folktale storytellers perpetually immerse their listeners with their own magical touch, voice, and tone. Mixed with eclectic tales of reality that are inspired from the authentic world and the storyteller’s creative imagination, proves to us how Arabic folk storytelling is both historical and powerful, and will continue to live on eternally.

As simple as they are, storytelling festivals like the Hakaya Festival are evolutionary experiences that continue to attract more crowds every year. Everyone has a story to tell and good stories are endless once they shape us and provide us with morals and learning opportunities. Connecting us through cultures and generations from the past to the future, storytelling is an endless escape to enriching imagination and inspiration.

With over 40 million worldwide downloads, Fortnite Battle Royale, the most epic survival game thus far has certainly taken the entire online gaming world by storm, especially now as it is edging its way to Jordan’s youth. The game is simple: do what you have to do in order to survive. There is no story line and there are no rules; players are parachuted onto a deserted island to battle against each other while the island shrinks smaller in size. The last one standing wins the entire game.

Unlike any traditional game, Fortnite Battle Royale has certainly created a cultural phenomenon movement where both gamers and non-gamers alike have jumped to be a part of this super addictive kill or be killed competition.

Right now, Fortnite Battle Royale is absolutely and permanently free to play across numerous different platforms where hyped gamers can battle against each other on PC, Xbox, PS4, and mobile phones. What’s more, the game is working to branch out to Android mobile phones.

There are around 100 players per game which gives the game its extraordinary competitive edge. And although each battle lasts around 25 minutes, it can take hours before you decide to stop playing. Players can opt to play individually or team up in pairs or groups to fight against each other. Play well enough, and you’ll be able to unlock and purchase options to fight further.

Fortnite has transformed into a passionate gaming scene of its own. You have 100 levels to advance and get through to challenge worldwide gamers head on. If you need a little push, you can opt to purchase premium weapons and options to keep you alive and stronger. If you’re feeling a little high-spirited, you can customize your character’s costumes with some brilliant and creative outfits.

In the past few years Jordan has become a major focal point with the Arab mobile gaming community. It is no secret that gaming has been booming in the Arab world for quite some time now, especially in Jordan – the country has become the hub for both online and gaming production, making it a home to a flourishing market. There’s a huge community of gamers in the country and a variety of popular games to play.

Here’s a game that is fun for all ages. King of Delivery introduces you to its main character, Awwad Abu Sheffeh, a skillful driver that is helping his friend deliver food to multiple locations in Amman. This is a fun, addictive, and challenging car game where you’ll have to maneuver and deliver food items as fast as possible before time runs out. Try your luck at this tricky game if you think you’re an experienced and talented player.

Faisal the camel is on the run and you’re going to help him run as fast as he can across three worlds of Riyadh, Paris, and the moon, fending off his enemies along his journey. The game features dates scattered around to collect to help you run faster and faster and gain extra lives. Besides that, your goal is to survive and fight off your enemies so make sure you collect coins along the way to buy, customize, and upgrade your weapons. Compete against your friends through Facebook in this surprisingly addictive game.

Street car racing and war all in one! Brought to you by Na3am games and one of the most popular car demolition mobile games in Jordan, Nitro Punch brings the ultimate street racing game to its Jordanian gamers. With maximum speed, adrenaline, and hyped demolition races, each player’s objective is to finish the race by crashing into all their competitors until they are the last one standing.

Players start off by choosing their desired car and customizing it to its maximum power in preparation for the challenge ahead. Next, start racing and continuously ram into other cars to destroy them. But watch out not to smash into blockades at the speed you are driving and keep your eye out for any turbo charge aids to help power you faster. Once you reach the end, you’ll be placed in the ultimate demolition battle where you can strike out your punch launcher to blow up your opponents. Talk about a hyped-up game!

Ranked as the best new app by Bee Labs on Apple’s Appstore after its launch in 2013, Shibshib War shows no signs of slowing down amongst its Jordanian gamers. The story begins with oil hungry aliens landing onto earth and invading 11 Arab countries for their oil reserves. Set up in Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and more Arab countries in the region, players will need to save the Arab world by attacking the aliens with shibshibs (the Arabic term for a slipper).

Connect the game with your Facebook page to obtain the highest scores possible amongst your friends. With over 120 challenging levels to get through, players will have a variety of trusty shibshibs to choose from to succeed each unique challenge: the flaming shibshib, the icy shibshib, and the awesome explosive shibshib. Prepare yourself for an awesome combat game in style.

A car drifting game brought to you by Rababa Games, Hajwala is popularly known as the greatest game to play in the Middle East. With over 12 million players worldwide, the game has struck out to getting 42 million recorded videos by players themselves. The glory of the entire game is the vast amount of car options and roads you can choose from. It has now progressed from a mobile only game to a PS4 online game, where players can compete against 12 other players from around the world. You can also talk and chat with other players, making it all the more engaging no matter how near or far gamers are from each other.

Here comes an educational game for kindergarteners and elementary school children aged 3-6. Jordanians gamers realize the importance of socialization and creativity at this age, and Karim and Jana does just that. Going beyond the traditional game sphere, this app educates kids in numbers and mathematics, songs, stories, and adventure. A super quality and interactive app, this is the best pick for kids who constantly require elements to train, exercise, and satisfy their curiosity.

 

Check out the latest game from Umniah

The gaming industry has transformed globally and sensationally in the past few short years. As technology heightens so does the evolution of gaming creation. Game creators are no longer limited with tools; we can now create what we imagine and make all things possible.

Virtual Reality games did not take too long to become a worldwide trend both for the avid gamers and the entire gaming industry.

Why is the reason for this?

Gamers want pure and vibrant immersive experiences that traditional games cannot offer.

VR games certainly hold a wide selection for game lovers in Jordan with some bringing the gaming experience to a whole new level.

The Switch Center

One of the most popular game centers in Amman, this VR arcade is made for all kinds of gamers. Better described as a Virtual Reality paradise, the Switch Center is designed between a virtual reality center and an escape room challenge. This place is large enough to transport you into the digital world. With a variety of games to choose from, you will find yourself transporting across boundaries of surreal fantasies and human experiences. Bringing the large and diverse gaming industry to you, you will have plenty options to explore for maximum VR enjoyment.

VR Port

Better described as the new era of gaming, VR Port offers anything and everything you can imagine when it comes to VR games. Get access to exclusive new and updated games and immerse yourself with challenging, fun, and spooky experiences. VR is not the same as sitting on a couch; it can be incredibly active and challenging. You will find anything from sports to action-packed shooting games with the hippest and futuristic VR accessories attached.

VR Gaming Center

Amazing experiences and many games to choose from, VR Gaming Center doesn’t leave much to the imagination as it guarantees a thrilling VR experience. With impressive creativity and all new technology to choose from, you will leave with memorable and immersive experiences. A definite hit filled with interactive gaming and an incredible atmosphere, you can experience and enjoy the world of VR with your friends and families.

في هذه السطور نظرة سريعة على أبرز جداريات الجرافيتي في عمان:

• ماذا سأصبح عندما أكبر؟ فريق هيراكوت الألماني وكجزء من مهرجان The Word is Yours الذي أقيم في الأردن عام 2015، قام برسم جدارية تمثّل الحلم والطفولة والإرادة من خلال صورة ٍ لطفلٍ يحمل على سبابته مخلوق حيواني صغير وينظر إليه بفرح. وكتب الفريق فوق صورة الطفل “ماذا سوف أصبح عندما أكبر؟” كدلالة على أهمية الحلم وأهمية أن نحافظ على براءة الصغار وأن نجعلهم يحلموا كما يريدون.

• 2100 عام: قام صهيب عطّار أحد أشهر رسامي الجرافيتي في الأردن وبالتعاون مع شرمين صوالحة برسم جدارية عند إشارة الثامن في قلب عمّان لإحياء ذكرى مرور 100 عام على ذكرى الثورة العربية. وتمثّل هذه الجدارية صورة لرجل عربي يرتدي الكوفية وخلفه جمل ويبدو كأنه ينظر إلى الأفق بأمل وتحدّي وعزم.

• الغزال: جدارية تعود أيضاً إلى صهيب العطار وهي تعدّ من أشهر جداريته. وهي عبارة عن رسم على مبنى قديم في منطقة جبل اللوبيدة في عمان وتمثّل صورة غزال بألوان مختلفة وعيون ثاقبة تنظر إلى المشاهد من بعيد.

• المنفى: لقد تم رسم هذه الجدارية من قبل فينتان ماجيي. حيث يصوّر فيها فتاة شابة متحيرة بين عالمين. ففي المقدمة تنظر إلى الخارج نحو مستقبل مجهول وفي الخلفية تنظر إلى الوراء نحو العالم الذي تركته خلفها وكأنها مشتتة بين حاضر وماضي ومستقبل لتمثل المنفى الذي نعيشه في داخلنا ونحن في رحلة البحث عن أنفسنا.

 

• المساواة: كيفن ليدو قرر تسليط الضوء على المرأة وأهمية تمكينها ومساواتها بالرجل. ومن أجل ذلك قام الفنان برسم وجه إمرأة محجّبة مغمضة العينين وكأنها في لحظة تأمّل فيما ترفع يدها لتلاقي يدّ رجل وكأن التكاتف والمساواة تجليتا في هذه الصورة.

هذه نماذج لأبرز جداريات الجرافيتي التي تنتشر في شوارع عمان وغيرها الكثير من الأعمال التي تستحق أن نتوقف عندها  ونتأمل الجمال والحب والإرادة أينما كنّا وكيف ما كنّا. أعمال رائعة لن يسعك إلا أن تتوقف أمامها وتلتقط معها صورةً لك لتحفظ في ذاكرة أيامك.

Well, yes. But TV altogether will not disappear.

As of now, we are experiencing a monumental shift where the mobile and online viewing ecosystem is sensationally disrupting the TV ecosystem.

Long gone are the days where family members would sit altogether eagerly waiting for their favorite TV show to begin. We will cherish these moments, but times are changing rapidly and with that companies are playing catch up with the world’s diversity of generations, trying to keep their audiences interested, invested, and engaged on their channels.

Consequently, TVs are now fragmented with the rise of the internet, and traditional linear channels and cable TV are not considered as dynamic or as a standard favorite to their viewers.

In fact, people are leaning towards their convenient pocket-sized devices and mobile phones to catch up on the latest and live entertainment. Unlike your traditional living room TV, you can watch your favorite shows whenever you want wherever you want.

Consumers want diversity and access to distinguished content

Today’s technologies provide a sense of freedom we have never witnessed before. Evolving from cable to VCR to DVD, and streaming, media companies are investing in OTT (over-the-top) content services, where media is delivered to audiences and viewers over the internet. Netflix is the most popular form of OTT, with Amazon, YouTube, and Google to follow.

Mobile OTT content is expanding and video consumption on mobiles is in high demand locally in Jordan and on a global scale. There is an incessant desire for content at anytime and anywhere, and with that, OTT subscriptions are customizable and easily accessible to steer mobile viewers to specific targeted content, allowing you to be in full control of your own viewership.

Brands want to refine and engage with viewers

In this age of interconnectivity and unrivaled growth of technology, traditional media companies are scrubbing down all they can do to keep their viewers vested on their content.

Umniah, Jordan’s mobile telecommunication operator, along with OSN, are paving the way for the future of broadcasting through OSN’s very own WAVO, a mobile TV streaming app granting Umniah subscribers flexible mobile plans to gain full access to various bundles of their choosing – WAVO Entertainment bundle, WAVO movies bundle, or WAVO Sports bundle. Umniah’s Jordanian customers can now enjoy OSN anywhere without committing to an annual contract- it is like your very own live TV on the go.

Umniah has further taken this pioneering approach towards the sport ecosystem. Streaming sports and services are absolutely central to consumers around the world. As a result, Umniah now provides its consumers with a monthly streaming service and subscription platform through beIN Connect.

While some sports fans might still seek out traditional TV for their viewing purposes, this type of premium content shows no signs of slowing down. With sports, this is the beginning of an OTT revolution. More significantly, this type of premium content provides viewers with a sense of freedom and a cost effective option.

In other words, live sports attract large audience from various demographics. Umniah and beIN consumers can now pick and choose the live sports they’d like to watch from anywhere with this convenient SVOD (subscription video-on-demand).

From this perspective, these companies are adjusting and transforming their business model and pushing boundaries to provide their viewers and consumers with content rich media subscriptions. This subscription-based OTT service will surely grow globally as media companies move from traditional to accessible and unlimited content.

Mobile streaming will continue to evolve

It is quite clear from here on out that OTT is in fact the wave of future. OTT and mobile streaming will continue to evolve in becoming more interactive, engaging, and involuntary to the viewer’s will. In challenging their traditional linear TV and striving to keep up in this competitive environment, much of the TV industry has expanded into OTT and is delivering a wide array of their programs and shows online.

The world now is consuming mobile video creation on a large scale than ever before. The television industry is just one part of the equation as advertisers, retail brands, and numerous industry experts are finding ways to push through innovative creations and user experiences to keep their consumers attentive and engrossed on their products.

This really is only the beginning phase of mobile video disruption. The world will contribute to this massive shift in the OTT ecosystem as it grows to an ever larger supreme, building a personal connection to their viewers with a richer media interface.