The 17th Algerian Amazigh Film Festival is set to commence on February 28 and run until March 4 in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. The festival, which will be held at the Maison de la culture Mouloud Mammeri, aims to promote Amazigh cinema and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region. This year's edition will pay tribute to the late singer Djamel Allam and filmmaker Youcef Goucem. The festival's program includes a variety of films, workshops, exhibitions, and conferences that showcase the best of Amazigh cinema.
The festival has attracted 23 films from across Algeria, including 4 feature-length films, 10 short films, 6 documentaries, and 3 animated films. These films were selected from a pool of submissions and were reviewed by a commission of experts. According to Amar Tribèche, the festival's commissioner, the selection process was rigorous, and many high-quality films were unfortunately not selected. However, Tribèche expressed his satisfaction with the overall quality of the films that were chosen.
The festival's date was carefully chosen to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the passing of anthropologist Mouloud Mammeri. Nabila Goumeziane, the director of culture, emphasized that the festival would not be postponed, despite challenges faced by other festivals. The deadline for submissions was extended to allow more films to participate. Goumeziane highlighted the importance of promoting Amazigh cinema and encouraging young filmmakers to produce high-quality content.
The Olivier d'or award, which is the festival's top prize, will be awarded in four categories. A jury consisting of industry experts, including Ali Berkenoun, Akli Metref, and Assalas, will select the winners. Tribèche emphasized that the jury's decisions will be based on practical experience rather than academic knowledge. The festival's goal is to provide a platform for Amazigh filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences.
One of the challenges facing Amazigh cinema is the lack of a robust distribution network. Tribèche noted that the absence of cinemas and a viable distribution system makes it difficult for filmmakers to generate revenue and finance their projects. Goumeziane emphasized the need to create a network of cinemas and promote Amazigh cinema to attract audiences. The festival aims to address these challenges by providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
The festival will feature a range of activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and conferences. A writing workshop will be held for students interested in pursuing a career in filmmaking. The festival's opening ceremony will take place on February 28 at the Kateb Yacine Regional Theater, and the event will run for five days. Goumeziane expressed her hope that the festival would help to revitalize interest in Amazigh cinema and promote the work of local filmmakers.
The festival's impact extends beyond the event itself, as it aims to create a sustainable platform for Amazigh cinema. Goumeziane noted that the festival would continue to work with filmmakers and industry professionals throughout the year to promote Amazigh cinema and support the development of new projects. The festival's organizers hope that it will contribute to the growth of Amazigh cinema and provide opportunities for local filmmakers to showcase their work.
Key points
- The 17th Algerian Amazigh Film Festival will feature 23 films competing for the Olivier d'or award.
