Facts About Carthage Film Festival
The Carthage Film Festival, established in 1966 in Tunis, holds the distinction of being Africa's oldest film festival. Initially biennial, it became an annual event in 2014. The festival's mission is to spotlight African and Arab cinema while also championing the cinema of the global South. Its highest accolade is the prestigious Golden Tanit.
The festival features a variety of categories, including the Official Competition, Panorama, International, Tribute, and Workshop Projects. Over the years, it has honored numerous notable filmmakers and has become a crucial platform for industry dialogue and collaboration. Following the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, the festival has played an even more vital role in promoting Tunisia's contributions to film.
Throughout its rich history, the festival witnessed the founding of the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI) in 1970. It has since evolved to include workshops, master classes, and networking opportunities for professionals. The Carthage Film Festival attracts a diverse audience and has been instrumental in the growth of Arab and African cinema. Its program features competitions for feature films, short films, documentaries, and school films, along with categories like New Territories and Tribute. Events such as Takmil, which supports films in post-production, and the Producers Network, aimed at industry professionals, are also integral aspects of the festival.
Since 2014, the festival has expanded its reach to various cities across Tunisia, bringing screenings and events to different regions. It collaborates with organizations such as the Journées du Cinéma Européen and UNICEF to present a wide array of films to audiences throughout the country. The Carthage Film Festival continues to be a key platform for celebrating and advancing African and Arab cinema, fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange within the film industry.