Algerian Radio
The 6th edition of the International Film Days opened on Wednesday evening in the city of Setif, featuring the participation of 10 countries and a notable presence of artists, directors, and cultural activists.
The event, held under the theme "A Film for Tomorrow," is organized by the Culture and Tourism Office of the Municipality of Setif. Running for five days, the festival sees 23 films competing for the prestigious "Golden Spike" (L'Épi d'Or) award.
Prominent figures attending the event include Abdelbassat Ben Khelifa, Hassen Benzerari, Lydia Chebout, Mohamed Tahar Zaoui, and Selma Guezali. The opening also saw the presence of Rabie Ouadjaout, Djaffar Gacem, Yasmine Ammari, as well as Aida Riad and Hend Akef from Egypt, Sofiane Dahech from Tunisia, and Souad Yerba from the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
The opening ceremony of this annual cultural gathering was marked by a large attendance of youth and families. The President of the Municipality of Setif, Hamza Belayat, highlighted that "this event is a prominent cultural fixture." He added that "cinema carries the nation's memory and acts as a mirror of its living conscience, reflecting social reality and aspirations."
Furthermore, he stated that "the event contributes to the cultural promotion of the region and its heritage, reinforcing its position as a hub for art and creativity."
For his part, the Director of the Culture and Tourism Office of Setif, Khaled Mehnaoui, described the festival as a "space for the meeting of cultures and a platform to celebrate creativity." He noted that "the event is a living embodiment of the power of cinema as a universal language that unites peoples and expresses human causes."
The opening ceremony featured a tribute to the film "Kahla oua Beida" (Black and White) by director Abderrahmane Guermouche, as a testament to a distinguished cinematic experience chronicling Setif's cultural memory. The historical film "Ahmed Bey" by director Jamal Shourjeh was also screened.
