Published on: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 6:22 PM
Category: Culture
Algiers – In 2024, the Palestinian cause was central to Algeria’s major cultural and artistic events, following the postponement of all large summer festivals in solidarity with the Palestinian people facing brutal massacres by the Israeli occupation in Gaza.
Solidarity Through Cinema
As part of this solidarity, the 12th edition of the Oran International Arab Film Festival (October 4-10) featured a special program titled “Zero Distance: From Gaza to Oran,” showcasing 22 works filmed, produced, and directed in Gaza.
In March, the Algerian Cinematheque hosted screenings of short films by Palestinian women directors, paying tribute to the late Walaa Saada, director of “Threads of Silk,” who was martyred in Gaza.
Theatrical Support
The second Arab Theater Days “Martyr Hassan Belkired” (February 14-18, Setif) included a performance of “Handala’s Resilience,” dedicated to Palestine, which was the guest of honor.
Literary and Artistic Engagement
Palestine was highlighted at the 27th Algiers International Book Fair (SILA, November 6-16), Algeria’s premier annual cultural event. Activities and discussions emphasized the intellectual and literary struggles of the Palestinian people.
Similarly, the 16th Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA, October 1-5) organized a competition titled “We Are All Gaza” to shed light on the hardships faced by Gaza residents.
Celebrating Palestinian Heritage
The 9th National Festival of Women’s Creativity (May 9-17) dedicated a space to Palestinian heritage, displaying traditional attire from various Palestinian cities.
The 8th International Festival of Contemporary Art (November 26-December 7) reinforced Algeria’s support for Palestine. This event featured a discussion on “The Art of Palestinian Resistance” and honored notable Palestinian artists, including Taysir Barakat, Raafat Asad, Saher Nassar, and Bashar Al-Hroub.
Algerian Writers in Solidarity
The Algerian Writers’ Union also expressed solidarity by hosting a gathering in Algiers during the opening of its 2024-2025 literary season. The union reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people confronting Israeli aggression.
Major Festivals Postponed in Support of Palestine
In alignment with Algeria’s solidarity with Palestine, the Ministry of Culture and Arts postponed all major summer festivals and adapted other cultural events to support the Palestinian cause.
The International Cultural Festival of Symphonic Music, initially planned for October 2023, was postponed in solidarity. When eventually held at the Algiers Opera House (May 16-22), it highlighted Palestinian resistance against occupation.
The 7th edition of the Summer Music Festival, originally scheduled for July 2024, was deferred to October 15-20 to honor Palestine. Similarly, the 9th Hashmi Qaroubi Grand Prize, planned for July 17-20, was rescheduled for late October.
These initiatives underscore Algeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause through cultural solidarity.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
