From October 25 to 28, the island of Djerba will once again open its doors to the world of cinema with the 25th edition of the Medenine International Film Festival. What began years ago as a modest cultural gathering has now grown into one of the most vibrant cinematic events in the region, attracting filmmakers, producers, and cinephiles from more than 25 countries.

This year’s edition promises a rich and diverse program, blending film screenings with cultural exchanges, workshops, and artistic showcases that reflect the festival’s philosophy: cinema as a meeting point between cultures, generations, and creative visions.

One of the highlights of the upcoming edition is the unveiling of the official poster, designed by the talented Abdelallah Chaibi. The poster, as described by Festival Director Mohamed Thabet, is not just an image but a visual manifesto. At its center stands a radiant woman in flowing attire, her gaze turned upward, embodying both tradition and renewal. Her movement evokes the blooming of a flower or the opening of a camera lens, a metaphor for discovery and exploration. The design celebrates diversity, contemporary creativity, and the timeless identity of cinema as an art form that bridges past and future.

But the festival is not confined to screenings alone. It seeks to extend the magic of cinema beyond theaters and into the heart of the community. Special emphasis will be given to African cinema, with participation from more than ten countries across the continent. Children’s cinema will also take center stage through neighborhood screenings, mobile cinemas, and dedicated programs for young audiences. Alongside this, training workshops will be organized in youth and cultural centers, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.

Geographically, the festival will expand its footprint across the southern regions of Tunisia. Activities and screenings will be distributed between Medenine, Djerba, and surrounding areas, ensuring that the seventh art is accessible to a wider and more diverse audience. This decentralization reflects the festival’s mission: to make cinema a living presence in local communities, while at the same time projecting Tunisia’s cultural vibrancy onto the global stage.

Beyond the films, what makes the Medenine International Film Festival truly special is its atmosphere. The island of Djerba, with its legendary hospitality and rich heritage, provides the perfect backdrop for filmmakers and visitors alike. The festival is not only a showcase of cinematic talent but also a celebration of human connection, shared stories, and the universal language of images.

As the curtain rises on its 25th edition, the festival carries an ambitious goal: to reaffirm Tunisia’s place on the world’s cultural map and to invite audiences everywhere to join in the celebration of cinema, diversity, and creativity.