Global Film Festival Premieres in Tunisia: Yasmine Hammamet Hosts the 2nd Edition of MIFF
Friday, April 14, 2023 – 08:26
The international cinema community is once again set to gather in Tunisia for a major cultural event, as Yasmine Hammamet’s Medina hosts the second edition of the Moving Images Film Festival (MIFF). Building upon the success of its debut last year, this year’s festival promises to elevate the experience, showcasing a broader array of films and activities, and reaffirming its reputation as a key rendezvous point for film lovers from around the world.
On the evening of Thursday, April 13, 2023, a press conference was held at the Odyssée Auditorium in Medina Yasmine Hammamet. This event drew numerous representatives from print, radio, television, and digital media, as well as the entire organizing team of MIFF. During the session, festival founder and president, filmmaker Mokhar Ladjimi, along with Mr. Ali Miaoui, General Manager of the “La Paix” Group and co-organizer of the festival, outlined the main features of this year’s edition.
Mr. Ladjimi took the opportunity to thank all supporters of the festival—particularly the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, and various partners and sponsors—highlighting their vital contributions. He also outlined what makes this year’s festival special and what audiences can expect to experience.
Mr. Miaoui reflected positively on the previous edition, which saw about 2,500 spectators attending various events, considering it a resounding success. He reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to backing MIFF, emphasizing the festival’s role in enlivening cultural life in Medina Yasmine Hammamet and boosting local tourism, despite the limited financial resources available. He described MIFF as a vibrant crossroads for cultural exchanges among diverse communities.
Regarding the scope of the event, Ladjimi revealed that more than twenty countries will be represented at MIFF 2023. The festival will introduce several new formats and initiatives, such as the “Mobile Film” segment—highlighting short films shot on mobile devices, with sequences no longer than a minute. In addition, to mark the centenary of Tunisian cinema, a series of special panels will explore topics like film music, digitization, and the challenges of filming in Tunisia, including the hurdles and nuances faced during productions in the country.
This year’s festival will also feature Master Classes, a “Latino Focus” dedicated to Latin American cinema, and an overview of documentary filmmaking. One of the most anticipated highlights will be the “Ciné Beach” screenings—film showings taking place on Yasmine Hammamet’s sandy shores, facing the Medina, offering a unique open-air cinema experience.
The official selection and international competition will feature 12 feature films, 12 short films, and six documentaries. Additional screenings will be held across the four halls of Medina Yasmine Hammamet and at the Hammamet Fort, enabling a wide-reaching promotion of both cinema and the festival to diverse audiences.
The festival’s judging panels will include seven members for the feature film competition, headed by acclaimed Chilean director Jorge Arriagada. There will also be panels of five members for the short film, documentary, and “Mobile Film” categories, as well as a jury appointed by UNESCO, responsible for awarding the ICFT–CICT Prize.
Honorary tributes will be paid to distinguished figures from the film world. The “Diaspora Trophy” will recognize stars such as Dorra Zarrouk and Fethi Heddaoui, as well as Egyptian actress Yosra. The festival’s guest of honor will be the celebrated Tunisian filmmaker Salma Baccar. Several other prominent personalities are expected to join the event once their participation is confirmed.
The festival’s official poster features the iconic character “Boussaâdia,” a symbol of resilience and perseverance. This character, who has journeyed across continents much like cinema itself, serves as a poignant emblem of the vital role that film plays in societies worldwide, uniting and inspiring people across cultures.
