Tunis, Tunisia — The upcoming 9th Medenine International Documentary and Short Films Festival (FIFDOC) is set to place a strong focus on the Palestinian cause, bringing together a diverse array of films and industry experts. The 2023 edition, taking place from November 29 to December 3, will host Indonesia as the guest of honor, albeit without the usual celebratory elements.
Renowned Tunisian actor and director, Foued Litaiem, has been appointed the honorary president for this exceptional edition of FIFDOC, as the spotlight shines on impactful storytelling and cultural exchange.
Organized by the Association “visions pour la culture et le développement” in Médenine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and various esteemed partners, the festival is gearing up to offer a remarkable lineup of events and screenings.
In the lead-up to the official commencement on December 1, Wednesday will mark the commencement of a “my film in 72 hours” competition, setting the stage for creative excellence and rapid filmmaking prowess.
The festival will feature a curated selection of 24 films, comprising 11 documentaries and 13 short fiction films, all delving into the theme of Palestinian resistance. These thought-provoking films, representing 13 countries including Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, France, the Netherlands, and Tunisia, promise to offer a rich tapestry of storytelling and cultural perspectives.
Esteemed Tunisian actress, Mariem ben Chaabane, will be part of the distinguished jury for this year’s event, alongside other industry luminaries such as Giusy Buemi (artistic director, Italy), Sofia Aghilas (producer, Morocco), Hasanain Hani (director, Iraq), and Sam Lahoud (producer, Lebanon).
A highlight of the festival will be the presentation of three awards in each competition category, with the coveted Golden, Silver, and Bronze Khlel standing as symbols of recognition for outstanding filmmaking. These prizes, resembling the traditional ‘Khlel’ jewellery worn to adorn women’s traditional costumes, will be an embodiment of artistic excellence and cultural significance.
Each competition, spanning across documentary and short fiction genres, will witness the bestowing of accolades for various facets of filmmaking, including direction, scriptwriting, and overall excellence, underscoring the festival’s commitment to celebrating multifaceted storytelling and cinematic artistry.
In a departure from its usual celebratory nature, this year’s festival will adhere to a more solemn atmosphere, emphasizing screenings and conferences as a tribute to the Palestinian resistance, in alignment with the prevailing global events.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled for Friday, will feature a powerful performance of politically charged songs by the Tunisian ensemble “Ouled al manajem”, amplifying the festival’s commitment to fostering cultural and sociopolitical discourse through the arts.
Furthermore, the festival will host a remote presentation by Palestinian director Ezzedine Shallah from the Al Quds International Film Festival, adding an enriching layer of global collaboration and cross-cultural exchange to the event.
The festival will also pay homage to eminent figures in Arab cinema and theatre, including Ola Hamad (Syria), Ramadan Mezdaoui, Ali Ahmed Salem (Libya), and several notable Tunisian luminaries, cultivating a spirit of reverence and appreciation for the region’s artistic heritage.
As part of the festival’s events, two documentaries from the official competition, “Mostamerroun” by Ibrahim Khaled Moslim (32′, Palestine) and “El Gotra” by Younes ben Hajria (26′, Tunisia), will be screened, offering audiences a window into the rich storytelling and cinematic excellence on display.
The festival will culminate with the announcement of the official awards and the screening of the winning films, culminating in a compelling display of artistic achievement and cultural celebration, alongside a theatre performance titled “Gaza ramz al izza,” adding a poignant theatrical dimension to the festival’s finale.
Additionally, the Medenine Institute for Arid Regions (IRA), which previously hosted the festival in its first and second sessions, will convene a scientific conference examining “the role of cinema in preserving heritage” on Friday morning, further enriching the festival with academic and scholarly discourse.
Moreover, a master class slated for December 3 at the Espace des Associations will delve into the theme of “the use of multimedia supports, photo and video, in support of the Palestinian cause,” offering a platform for intellectual exchange and exploration of multimedia’s role in advancing sociocultural causes.
With its power to ignite dialogue and provide a platform for global narratives, the 9th Medenine International Documentary and Short Film Festival promises to be a celebration of art, culture, and resilience, transcending borders and fostering a collective appreciation for the enduring power of storytelling.
