Algiers – Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, on Wednesday inaugurated the 17th edition of the International Comic Strip Festival of Algiers (FIBDA), held at Riadh El Feth Square under the theme “The Children’s Edition.”
In her speech, Bendouda emphasized that FIBDA has become a long-established and anticipated event for Algerians and visitors alike, serving as a key space to showcase Algeria’s cultural diversity, including the “ninth art” of comic strip, deeply rooted in Algerian collective memory. She stressed that this genre, with its universal language and cross-cultural appeal, has the power to attract youth and children to embrace reading as a cultural habit.
The Minister also addressed the ongoing review of the management of cultural festivals at national, international, and local levels, stating that the goal is to transform them into productive cultural and intellectual platforms that enhance Algeria’s image while developing economic pathways for sustainability. She underlined that festivals should not merely be seen as occasions for spending cultural budgets, but as part of an economic and cultural ecosystem that brings value through entertainment, education, and contributions to the national economy by engaging sponsors and benefactors.
During her tour, Bendouda visited the exhibition space, which showcased illustrated works by artists from participating countries. A highlight was the collection “Palestinian Comics: Voices of Individuals, Cry of a Collective,” curated by Spanish artist Pedro Rojo Pérez. The works of ten Palestinian artists vividly portrayed the resilience of Gaza’s resistance and the suffering of its people under the barbaric Zionist aggression. Through their art, Leila Abdel Razzak, Yasmine Omar Ata, Sarah Shehadeh, Hassan Manasrah, Hamza Abu Ayash, Khaled Jeradeh, Shahd Al-Shamali, Dania Al-Omari, Samir Harb, and Mohammad Sabaaneh conveyed the voices of Palestinian children, women, and men enduring occupation.
On this occasion, Bendouda honored Spanish artist Pedro Rojo Pérez, American researcher Alexandra Gayden Turk, Algerian artists Hanan Ben Medioni and Nejma Belabbes, as well as journalist and screenwriter Boukhalfa Amazit.
Winners of the youth comic strip competition were also announced: Abdelrahman Mehibel won first prize for his work “The Night Guards”, Ania Sassi took second place with “Ania the Casango Fish”, and Ryad Boutemour secured third with “Cybess’ Holiday.” In the category for best project (16+), Yacine Slimane Oushan won with “Jamel Bensmaïl”, Tubal Maamar came second with “Rooftops of Algiers”, and Benyoussef Abbes Kebir took third with “Tacfarinas.”
As for the professional international competition, Algerian Hakim Touileb won first prize with his comic “Do Not Look in the Mirror”, while Cameroonian Youmbi Monté received second for “My Passion is Dance.”
This year’s edition, running until October 5, honors Egypt as guest of honor, alongside creative artists from Spain, the United States, Canada, Japan, Palestine, Tunisia, Lebanon, Mexico, Cameroon, and Slovenia.
FIBDA thus reaffirms Algeria’s position as a regional cultural leader, bringing together global artistic voices while keeping alive the spirit of solidarity with oppressed peoples, particularly Palestine and Western Sahara, in sharp contrast with the Moroccan regime’s attempts to exploit culture for propaganda while neglecting true support for just causes.
