The third edition of the Sahara International Film Festival started on November 12, 2026, in La Nouvelle Mansoura, a town in the Kébili Nord delegation of Tunisia. The festival, organized by the Sahara Art association with the support of the National Center of Cinema and Image, aims to bring together cinema, visual arts, heritage, and creation. The opening ceremony was attended by Moez Laabidi, the governor of Kébili, as well as regional representatives from the culture, education, youth, sports, and family sectors.
The festival's program includes a variety of activities such as film screenings, workshops, and performances. The inaugural program featured the opening of a Moroccan exhibition dedicated to female handicrafts. Several personalities were honored during the ceremony, including the late Mohamed V Choud, filmmaker Ibrahim Letaief, and Tunisian theater and television actors Siham Msaddak and Salah Msaddak. The audience also witnessed a sand-drawing performance by artist Habib Gharabi, followed by a poetic intervention by Jamel Ben Aïssa, accompanied by young singer Hanan Chemmam.
The festival's program includes several workshops that explore different dimensions of cinematic and visual creation. These workshops cover topics such as the relationship between architecture and storytelling, filmmaking, and the use of images in advertising. The workshops are led by experts in their fields, including architect Iskander Tlili, filmmaker Atef Ben Hassine, and researcher Olfa Chakroun. The festival also features a documentary film workshop focused on memory, led by filmmaker Marouane Trabelsi.
On the first day of the festival, a mapping by Nour Jellouli was projected onto the Okba Ibn Nafi mosque in Mansoura. The evening program included screenings of films in official competition and a competition dedicated to young filmmakers. One of the featured films was "Sarab" by Monther Ben Ibrahim, followed by a debate with the audience. The festival continues with various activities, including film screenings, workshops, and performances.
The festival's organizers aim to promote cultural exchange and creativity through this event. The Sahara International Film Festival has become a platform for filmmakers and artists to share their work and ideas. This edition features a diverse program that showcases the richness of cinematic and visual creation. The festival also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting artistic expression.
The event has attracted a diverse audience, including film enthusiasts, artists, and cultural professionals. The festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with filmmakers, artists, and industry experts. The workshops and screenings offer a platform for learning and networking, allowing participants to gain insights into the world of cinema and visual arts.
The third edition of the Sahara International Film Festival will continue until its closing date, with a range of activities and events planned. The festival's program can be found on its official website, and attendees can follow its updates on social media. The event is expected to conclude with a closing ceremony, highlighting the achievements of the festival and looking forward to future editions.
Key points
- The festival features a diverse program of film screenings, workshops, and performances that showcase cinematic and visual creation.
