The first "Cinema of Roses" festival in Ariana, Tunisia, is set to take place from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Cultural and Sports Complex for Youth in the sixth arrondissement. Organized by the Association for Cultural and Theatrical Animation in Ariana, the festival aims to create a new creative space to celebrate the art of image and audiovisual innovation. The event will feature a diverse program of film screenings, workshops, and discussions centered around the theme of roses.
The festival's opening day will include a welcome ceremony, a keynote speech by the association's president, and a presentation of the festival's program. A dance performance titled "The Rose Speaks of Its News" and an exhibition of visual arts around the theme of roses will also be featured. Additionally, a documentary film titled "The Rose Speaks of Its News," produced by the Association for Cultural and Theatrical Animation, will be screened, and actor Hamadi Dkhil will be honored for his role in the film "Night of the Ten Years."
On the second day of the festival, a workshop on cinematic image and artificial intelligence will be held, led by filmmaker Mohamed Yassine Thabri. A discussion with researcher Jamila Benous on the history and cultural heritage of Ariana, including its rose tradition, will also take place. Furthermore, a screening of the film "Silence of the Palaces" by director Mufida Tlatli will be presented, followed by a debate moderated by actor Mohamed Qriea.
The third day of the festival will feature a continuation of the workshop on cinematic image and artificial intelligence. A discussion with professor Henda Mabruki on the significance of roses in Arab cultural heritage and literature will also be held. Moreover, a screening of the film "Summer in Halq El Oued" by Tunisian director Farid Boughedir will be presented, followed by a debate led by academic Alifa Chaqroun.
On the final day of the festival, the workshop on cinematic image and artificial intelligence will conclude. A discussion with researcher Monir Qasri on the uses of roses will take place, and a screening of the film "Night of the Ten Years" by director Ibrahim Babaï will be presented, followed by a debate moderated by actor Hamadi Dkhil. The festival will conclude with a ceremony to award certificates to participants in the workshop.
The festival aims to bring cultural and artistic dynamism to the governorate of Ariana through its diverse program. The event will take place across several venues over the course of four days. The Association for Cultural and Theatrical Animation in Ariana hopes that this initiative will contribute to promoting the cultural and artistic scene in Tunisia.
The festival's program is designed to celebrate the rose as a symbol of Ariana's heritage and to explore its significance in various contexts. The event will bring together filmmakers, artists, and researchers to share their perspectives and expertise on the theme of roses. By doing so, the festival seeks to create a unique and enriching experience for its attendees.
Key points
- The festival features a diverse program of film screenings, workshops, and discussions centered around the theme of roses.
