ALGIERS – Saturday, 03 December 2022 (APS) – The 11th International Film Festival of Algiers (FICA), dedicated to engaged films, kicked off Friday evening in Algiers, after two years of absence because of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the presence of Minister of Culture and Arts Souraya Mouloudji.
Before Adviser to President of the Republic, in charge of cinema and audiovisual media Ahmed Rachedi and members of the government, Souraya Mouloudji reiterated in her speech “the Algeria State’s commitment to raising the 7th art to a higher rank, in line with the technological changes.
The minister pointed out the instructions given by President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune to develop the film industry and support a cinema which, according to her, should contribute to preserving the national memory and the Algerian identity.”
Soraya Mouloudji underlined that the State’s support to the film projects “continues through elaborated mechanisms for 2023,” which will “give fresh impetus” and “reintroduce Algeria in the international cultural events.”
The event’s opening evening was marked by the presence of Ministers of Communication Mohamed Bouslimani, of Higher Education and Scientific Research Kamel Beddari, of Tourism and Draft Industry Yacine Hamadi, in addition to representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria.
Screened at FICA’s opening, the feature film “El Gharib” (The Stranger), written and directed by Syrian filmmaker Ameer Fakhereddine.
A co-production involving several countries, including Syria and Palestine, this 112-minute film deals with the history of a desperate young doctor living in a small village in the occupied Golan Heights, near the border with Lebanon, and who is leading a difficult life reaching desperation.
A total of 60 films, including 25 in official competition, will be screened during this 11th FICA, to be held until 10 December.