The Tunisian film "Aghtarab" directed by Mehdi Hemili has won the grand prize "Tamuda" at the 31st Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival. The film, a co-production of Tunisia, Luxembourg, France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia in 2025, was awarded the top prize by the festival's official competition jury. The jury praised the film's dramatic plot and story, which explores the conflict between capitalist practices and workers.
The festival, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, took place from October 3 to 10. The special jury prize "Mohamed Rkib" was awarded to the French film "Les Compagnons de Che Guevara" directed by Christophe Dimitri Rivay. The "Aziz Medour" award for best first film went to the Italian film "Il Mio Cuore" directed by Margherita Spampinato.
The best male actor award went to Moroccan actor Omar Lftifi for his role in the film "Mira" directed by Noureddine Lkhomari. The best female actor award was given to Moroccan actress Safaa Khatmi for her role in the same film. The film "Aghtarab" also won the "Mustapha Mesnaoui" critics' award.
The festival's general secretary, Abdel Latif Badi, stated that the 31st edition of the festival met the expectations of its organizers and audience. He highlighted the large turnout for the official competition screenings and the positive response to the various artistic and intellectual activities programmed.
The festival featured a range of activities, including workshops, intellectual debates, and film screenings. The "Screenplay Development" workshops were particularly successful, with participants praising the high level of the initiative. Badi expressed hope that the film projects that benefited from this support would come to fruition and reach audiences.
The festival also included a section dedicated to children's films, which were well-received by young audiences. The event featured screenings in various locations, including outdoor spaces and cultural centers. The festival's "Khofkat Qalb" section showcased six films that demonstrated a range of cinematic approaches and interests.
The Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival has been promoting Mediterranean cinema since its founding in 1985. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and engage with audiences. This year's edition was marked by a diverse range of films and activities that celebrated the richness of Mediterranean cinema.
Key points
- The Tunisian film "Aghtarab" won the grand prize at the 31st Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival.
- The festival featured a range of activities, including workshops, intellectual debates, and film screenings.
- The event promoted Mediterranean cinema and provided a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.
