Tunisia Culture Weekend in London: Film and Heritage

From 2–5 October 2025, London will host a celebration of Tunisian cinema, music and heritage. Organized by ATUGE London in collaboration with Nowart London, the event brings together two cultural initiatives: the 5th edition of the Alyssa Film Festival and the 2nd edition of Tunisia Culture Weekend.

Over four days, audiences will discover different aspects of Tunisian culture. The programme combines film screenings, discussions with filmmakers, traditional food and live music. It also creates opportunities for Tunisian artists and diaspora communities to connect with wider audiences in London.

ATUGE London and Nowart London: Building Cultural Bridges

ATUGE London and Nowart London play central roles in the event. Both organizations aim to connect people through cultural activities and creative projects.

ATUGE London is the UK branch of the Association des Tunisiens des Grandes Écoles. It promotes professional, academic and cultural exchanges between Tunisia and its diaspora. Through these activities, the organization helps strengthen connections between Tunisians living in different countries.

Meanwhile, Nowart London focuses on interdisciplinary cultural projects and artistic events. Its work creates opportunities for artists and communities to share their experiences.

Together, the two organizations bring different strengths to the programme. Their collaboration connects Tunisian heritage with London’s diverse cultural scene.

Tunisian Cinema Takes Centre Stage

The Alyssa Film Festival presents two films by Tunisian filmmakers. Both screenings offer audiences an opportunity to explore contemporary Tunisian cinema.

For Ilef by Saber Baccouch

Scheduled for 2 October, For Ilef, directed by Saber Baccouch, explores personal experiences and collective memory. The screening introduces audiences to a contemporary Tunisian film and its themes.

AICHA by Mehdi M. Barsaoui

On 3 October, the festival presents AICHA, directed by Mehdi M. Barsaoui. The film continues the director’s exploration of social issues through cinema.

Both screenings take place at The Court House in London. Each is followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker, either in person or remotely.

These discussions give audiences the chance to learn more about the films and their creative process. They also encourage exchanges between filmmakers and viewers from different cultural backgrounds.

Tunisian Food and Music Beyond the Screen

On 5 October, Tunisia Culture Weekend moves beyond cinema with a cultural gathering at St Luke’s Hall of Remembrance.

The programme includes culinary offerings curated by Tawla Tounsia and live music by DJ Helmy. Together, food and music introduce visitors to different aspects of Tunisian cultural life.

This part of the event also provides an opportunity for people to meet, share experiences and discover Tunisian traditions. It brings together cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression in a social setting.

Why Tunisia Culture Weekend Matters

The combination of film screenings and cultural activities highlights the role of arts in connecting communities. For Tunisians living in the UK, the event offers a space to engage with their cultural heritage.

At the same time, it welcomes audiences who want to discover Tunisian cinema, music and food. These encounters can help introduce Tunisian artists and cultural practices to people who may not often encounter them in mainstream European cultural programmes.

By bringing together filmmakers, musicians, culinary contributors and audiences, the festival creates opportunities for cultural exchange. It also highlights the contribution of Tunisian communities to London’s multicultural life.

Tickets and Event Information

The Alyssa Film Festival and Tunisia Culture Weekend took place in London from 2–5 October 2025. The programme combined Tunisian films, filmmaker discussions, food and music across several days.

For historical event information, visit the ATUGE event listing.

The event brought together different forms of Tunisian artistic expression, highlighting how cinema, music and food can connect communities across borders.