From October 30 to November 2, the Tunisian desert will transform into a cinematic wonderland, hosting the inaugural International Film Festival in the Sahara. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ksar Ghilen oasis, this festival promises an extraordinary blend of art, culture, and nature, breaking geographical and cultural barriers.
This new festival complements the existing Theatre Festival in the Sahara, established four years ago by the same organizers. Its mission is to reconnect desert communities with their cultural heritage while showcasing the Tunisian desert as a vibrant canvas for artistic and cinematic expression.
The festival is not merely a series of film screenings; it serves as a dynamic platform for workshops, training sessions, and discussions that explore the relationship between cinema and the environment. Attendees can look forward to a diverse program featuring a competition of films from Tunisia and beyond, including contributions from Palestine, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, Pakistan, Italy, Cameroon, Sweden, Belgium, and France. A jury of industry professionals will evaluate the entries, alongside special screenings and evening events.
In addition to film competitions, the festival will host various training workshops led by renowned industry professionals. Topics include cinema and childhood with Anis Lassoued, documentary filmmaking with Abdallah Yahia, storytelling to screenplay with Abdelhamid Bouchnak, acting in front of the camera with Souhir Ben Amara, mobile cinema with Hamdi Jouini, and a focus on the Sahara with Marouane Trabelsi. These workshops will provide local young talents with a unique opportunity to learn and engage with creators from around the world.
Moreover, the festival will serve as a space for dialogue, featuring scientific meetings and colloquia that address the challenges of cinema in desert regions and the prospects of Saharan cultural tourism. It aims to unite filmmakers, technicians, researchers, and students around themes related to the future of the film industry in the area.
What sets the International Film Festival in the Sahara apart from other festivals is its itinerant nature. Rather than being confined to a single location, the festival will move to different desert regions each year, reaching diverse audiences and fostering strong connections between local communities and the cinematic world. This mobility not only invigorates cultural tourism but also supports local initiatives, contributing to the training of southern Tunisian populations in film production.
With this festival, the Tunisian desert—renowned for its stunning landscapes and as a filming location for iconic international productions like 'The English Patient' and 'Star Wars'—is poised to reclaim its status as a premier filming destination, reigniting a rich cinematic tradition.