The 14th edition of the Festival International du Film des Lacs et Lagunes, scheduled to take place from November 24 to 28, 2026, in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, will pay tribute to Salma Baccar, a celebrated figure in Tunisian cinema. As a filmmaker, producer, and icon in the Tunisian film industry, Baccar's exceptional career has significantly impacted the history of cinema in Tunisia and globally. Her films will also be featured at the event, setting the tone for a celebration of creativity, cultural diversity, and dialogue between nations.
Born in 1945 in Tunis, Salma Baccar began her career in film after training in Paris. She started working in Tunisian television and film production, quickly establishing herself as a prominent voice in the industry. Baccar has directed various films, including short films, feature films, documentaries, and television series, and has also acted in several roles. Her 1975 film, Fatma 75, was a groundbreaking work that earned her the Ducat d'or at the 1978 Mannheim Festival.
Throughout her career, Salma Baccar has continued to produce and direct notable films, such as La Danse du feu (1995), Fleur d'oubli (2006), El Jaida (2017), and La Maison Dorée (Ennafoura) (2025). In addition to her filmmaking work, Baccar has also been involved in politics, serving as a member of the National Constituent Assembly in 2011. Her contributions to the film industry have earned her numerous awards and recognition.
The Festival International du Film des Lacs et Lagunes has selected 37 films for its official program, divided into four categories: short film fiction, feature film fiction, short film documentary, and feature film documentary. The selected films showcase diverse perspectives and stories from various countries, exploring societal issues, cultures, and realities through the power of cinema.
Salma Baccar's impact on Tunisian cinema extends beyond her filmmaking work. In 1989, she founded Inter Médias Production, becoming the first female producer in Tunisia. Her influence on the industry has paved the way for future generations of female filmmakers. The festival's tribute to Baccar acknowledges her significant contributions to the world of cinema and her role as a trailblazer for women in the film industry.
The festival's organizers emphasize that the event aims to promote cultural diversity, creativity, and dialogue between nations. By honoring Salma Baccar and showcasing a diverse range of films, the festival seeks to celebrate the power of cinema as a tool for social transformation and memory-keeping. The event will bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences to engage with the selected films and appreciate the art of storytelling.
The 14th edition of the Festival International du Film des Lacs et Lagunes promises to be an exciting celebration of cinema, with a focus on creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange. The tribute to Salma Baccar serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the film industry and her influence on future generations of filmmakers.
Key points
- Salma Baccar's exceptional career has significantly impacted the history of cinema in Tunisia and globally.
- The festival has selected 37 films for its official program, showcasing diverse perspectives and stories from various countries.
- Salma Baccar's contributions to the film industry have earned her numerous awards and recognition.
