The 12th edition of the Algiers International Film Festival (AIFFA) is set to commence on December 4th, with a diverse selection of 50 films competing for prestigious awards. This year, the festival shines a spotlight on Cuba as the guest of honor, celebrating the rich cinematic traditions of the island nation.
The festival, which runs until December 10th, will feature a curated selection of films from Algeria and 28 other countries. The official competition includes 16 feature films, 14 documentaries, and 20 short films, promising a vibrant and engaging cinematic experience for attendees.
Beyond the competitive categories, the festival will also present 51 films out of competition. This includes a special showcase of Cuban cinema, featuring six films presented in partnership with the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry. Additionally, eight Palestinian films will be screened, alongside 22 films as part of the “Panorama of Algerian Cinema” and ten films within the “Panorama of the Global South.”
Among the Algerian films vying for awards in the feature film category are “Rouqia” by Yanis Koussim and “Lovers of Algeria” by Mohamed Charafeddine Koutita. International entries include “After the End” by Pablo Cesar (Argentina), “The Golden Man” by Tordybek Maidan (Kazakhstan), and “Dreams on the Margin” by Rachid Masharawi (Palestine).
The short film competition features nine Algerian productions, including “Positive Result” by Nidal Al-Mlouhi, as well as international films such as “The Black Scarf” by Ali Reza Shah Hosseini (Iran), “Discordance” by Raquel Larrosa (Spain), and “My Grandmother’s Secret” by Nourhan Abdelsalam (Egypt).
The documentary category showcases 14 films, including Algerian works such as “Aknaw” by Houria Hamadouche and “Return to the City” by Djamel Lakhdar. International documentaries include “Hayyu, the Rebel Singer” (Western Sahara/Sweden), “Sami’s Song for Survival” by Yarra Lee (USA), and “Nankawazu” by Jorge Fuentes (Cuba).
Festival Director Mehdi Ben Aissa emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Algeria and Cuba, explaining that the selection of Cuba as guest of honor reflects this deep-rooted connection. He highlighted the Cuban films as works that blend political and aesthetic dimensions, promising a compelling exploration of Cuban society and culture. The festival aims to be a platform for promoting cultural exchange and celebrating cinematic excellence from around the globe.
