Batna – The Algerian short film “Niya,” directed by Imane Ayadi, won the award for Best Short Fiction Film at the 5th edition of the Imedghassen International Cultural Film Festival, which concluded on Tuesday night with a vibrant open-air ceremony held at the ancient Imedghassen monument in Boumia, Batna province. Imedghassen
The award-winning film tells the story of a young girl named Anya, who enjoys a happy childhood without fully grasping the turmoil of the “Black Decade.” Her only wish is for her father, a journalist on assignment, to return in time to celebrate the Mawlid al-Nabawi holiday with the family. For her performance in the movie, actress Mariem Mejkan won the award for Best Actress in a Short Film. Imedghassen
The Best Actor award went to Ali Zira Sanivar for his role in the Iranian film “Together Alone,” directed by Omid Mirzai, which also won the Best Director prize. The Brazil-Japan co-production “Amarela” by director André Hayato Saito received the award for Best Screenplay. Imedghassen
The Jury Prize for Short Fiction Films was awarded to two productions: “Sunset in Beirut” by Lebanese director Daniela Stephan and “Sea’s Trust” by Egyptian filmmaker Hend Souheil. Imedghassen
In the newly introduced competition categories, the award for Best Short Documentary went to “Small Sahara” by Emilio Martí López, a co-production between Spain and Western Sahara. The Best Animated Film award was granted to “The Pyramid” by Egyptian director Mohamed Ghazala. Imedghassen
From Algeria, “Algiers 196 M” by filmmaker Chakib Taleb Ben Diab was awarded Best Film in the Critics’ Week section, while “The Execution” by Youssef Mehssas earned the prize for Best Revolutionary Short Film. Imedghassen
Festival director Issam Taachite emphasized that the Imedghassen International Cultural Film Festival has become a true platform for creative talents in cinema while also serving as a means to promote Algeria’s rich cultural and touristic heritage.
The 5th edition featured 53 films from 27 countries and was marked by its grand closing ceremony at the foot of the ancient Numidian royal mausoleum of Imedghassen, which lent a special charm and uniqueness to the event.
The festival, which opened on September 10 at the regional theater of Batna, offered audiences a variety of films followed by engaging discussions, workshops for young cinema enthusiasts on film professions, intellectual debates on literature and cinema, as well as cultural tours for participants.
Vietnam was this year’s guest of honor, with the festival shining a spotlight on the Asian country’s cinematic achievements and history.
