The 17th Amazigh Film Festival was officially launched in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, by Culture Minister Azeddine Mihoubi. The opening ceremony took place at the Kateb Yacine Regional Theatre, attended by local authorities, industry professionals, artists, and film enthusiasts. The event pays tribute to two recently deceased cultural figures, Djamel Allam and Youcef Goucem. Their families were present at the ceremony, which featured a screening of a short film in their honor.
This year's festival celebrates the work of emerging and established filmmakers in the Amazigh cinema scene. A total of 23 films are competing for the prestigious Olivier d'or award. The festival's commissioner, Amar Tribèche, expressed satisfaction with the number of high-quality productions submitted this year. The jury, comprising renowned filmmakers and industry experts, will select the winner.
Minister Mihoubi emphasized the importance of promoting Amazigh culture, language, and heritage through initiatives like the film festival. He highlighted the government's efforts to support cultural development in Tizi-Ouzou and other regions. The minister announced plans to provide technical equipment to the outdoor theatre in Tizi-Ouzou, which is expected to be operational by the next Ramadan.
The minister praised Tizi-Ouzou for its vibrant cultural scene, noting that it is one of the most active provinces in Algeria. He revealed that the ministry receives numerous requests for cultural project funding from the region. Mihoubi also announced the launch of an Amazigh symphony orchestra, which will showcase the region's rich musical heritage and feature top Amazigh artists.
The opening ceremony featured a screening of a 25-minute short film, "Banc public," in tribute to Djamel Allam and Youcef Goucem. Another film about Djamel Allam's life was also shown, followed by a preview of the films competing for the Olivier d'or. The festival promises to be an exciting celebration of Amazigh cinema, with a diverse range of productions on offer.
The jury, led by Said Oulmi, consists of experienced filmmakers, producers, and critics. They will evaluate the competing films based on their artistic and technical merits. The winner of the Olivier d'or award will be announced at the festival's closing ceremony.
The 17th Amazigh Film Festival is a significant event in Algeria's cultural calendar, showcasing the country's rich Amazigh heritage and promoting the development of Amazigh cinema. The festival will continue to support emerging and established filmmakers, providing a platform for them to share their work with a wider audience.
Key points
- Algerian Culture Minister Azeddine Mihoubi launches the 17th Amazigh Film Festival in Tizi-Ouzou.
- The festival features 23 films competing for the Olivier d'or award.
- The event celebrates Amazigh culture and cinema, with a focus on promoting the region's rich heritage and supporting emerging filmmakers.
