The 12th edition of the Djerba International Film Festival for Women's and Youth Cinema started on October 24, 2026, and will run until October 27. The festival features 68 films from 38 countries, showcasing Arab and international cinema and highlighting the creative works of women and young people. According to festival director Mohamed Thabet, the event aims to support cinema and promote the presence of women and young people in the creative scene.
The festival's opening ceremony took place at the Laguera Cinema in Djerba, attended by several official, cultural, and artistic personalities, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions. India is the guest of honor at this year's festival. The ceremony included a musical performance, the Tunisian national anthem, and the screening of films. Two Tunisian actresses, Dorra Zarrouk and Afef Ben Mahmoud, were honored for their contributions to the cinematic landscape.
The festival also paid tribute to the late artist Amal El Bakouch, with a minute of silence held in her memory. The ceremony included the presentation of the festival's jury members and the announcement of the winners of the school film competition, which focuses on combating drug use and promoting awareness among young people. The competition's first prize went to Ayyhem Zioud, followed by Wessim Bourga and Rawan Hemami.
The festival features a range of films, including documentaries, short films, and school films, covering various human, social, and cultural issues. The event provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to discover new cinematic experiences. The festival's awards include the Golden Phalera for Best Documentary Film, the Golden Phalera for Best Short Documentary Film, and the Minaret Award for Best Narrative Film.
In addition to film screenings and competitions, the festival offers training and intellectual activities for young people, students, and children. These activities include workshops, masterclasses, and roundtable discussions on topics such as screenwriting, puppetry, and the role of women in filmmaking. The festival aims to promote cinematic creativity and provide opportunities for young filmmakers to develop their skills.
The festival's program includes a range of activities, including a workshop on "Narrating Our Stories: From Reality to Documentary Film" and a roundtable discussion on the strategy for structuring and developing film festivals. The event also features a masterclass on excellence in screenwriting and directing. These activities aim to support the development of Tunisian and Arab cinema.
The 12th edition of the Djerba International Film Festival for Women's and Youth Cinema provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to discover new cinematic experiences. The festival's focus on women's and youth cinema highlights the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the film industry. With its rich program of films, workshops, and activities, the festival is set to be a major cultural event in Tunisia.
Key points
- The festival features 68 films from 38 countries, showcasing Arab and international cinema.
- The event aims to support cinema and promote the presence of women and young people in the creative scene.
- The festival offers training and intellectual activities for young people, students, and children.
