Afef Ben Mahmoud Joins the Jury of the 79th Locarno Film Festival

Afef Ben Mahmoud will join the jury of the Filmmakers of the Present competition at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. The festival will take place in Switzerland from 5 to 15 August 2026. Her selection marks another important achievement for Tunisian cinema. As a result, it highlights the country’s growing presence on the international film scene.

The Filmmakers of the Present competition focuses on first and second feature films by emerging directors. Every year, it introduces new talents from around the world. This year, Afef Ben Mahmoud will work alongside Czech producer Radovan Síbrt and Italian filmmaker Margherita Spampinato. Together, they will evaluate the competing films and select the winners in one of the festival’s most respected sections.

For years, Afef Ben Mahmoud has built a career across acting, directing, and producing. Throughout her journey, she has supported independent cinema and encouraged new artistic voices. Her work has reached audiences in Tunisia and abroad. In addition, she has contributed to the international visibility of Tunisian cinema through a wide range of creative projects.

She also directs Gabès Cinéma Fen. Under her leadership, the festival has become an important meeting point for filmmakers, artists, and audiences. Moreover, it promotes independent films, visual arts, and creative research. At the same time, it encourages dialogue and international collaboration through its annual programme.

Meanwhile, Tunisia will also have a strong presence at the 79th Locarno Film Festival through director Abdelhamid Bouchnak. His latest feature film, BAKMA, will premiere in the Fuori Concorso, or Out of Competition, section. Consequently, the official selection will include another Tunisian production. This recognition reflects the growing interest in the country’s contemporary cinema.

Overall, the participation of Afef Ben Mahmoud and Abdelhamid Bouchnak shows the steady progress of Tunisian cinema. Today, Tunisian filmmakers continue to earn recognition at leading international festivals. They also take on important roles within global film institutions. Finally, these achievements strengthen Tunisia’s position on the international film scene and inspire a new generation of filmmakers.