The second edition of the International Short Film Festival opened in Timimoun on the night of Thursday, November 5, 2026. Organizers launched the event to showcase cinematic works in the province, with screenings and related sessions scheduled to continue until November 10, 2026. Festival activities are taking place across various venues within the region to accommodate the multi-day program. Attendees and participants will engage with the scheduled films throughout the duration of the event.
Global Participation and Programming
Thirty-six short films comprise the official selection for the second edition of the festival in Timimoun. These cinematic works are presented to audiences and invited guests arriving from 50 countries across the Arab world, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Malika Bendouda, Minister of Culture and Arts, addressed the gathering regarding the objectives of the event. "The responsibility of the sector is to make festivals spaces that bring together professionals and art enthusiasts, and an incubator for creative ideas that preserve the glow of history and national memory and protect the impact of sacrifices from fading and oblivion," said Malika Bendouda. The program connects international creators with local attendees through these scheduled screenings. Organizers structured the selection to represent a wide array of perspectives from the participating regions throughout the duration of the event.
Cultural Policy and Development
Screenings and festival activities are held at the Open Air Theater in the city of Timimoun. This venue serves as the primary location for the international event throughout its duration.
Souna Ben Amar, Wali of Timimoun, noted the significance of the festival during the opening proceedings. "Hosting this international event reflects a firm conviction that culture is a fundamental component of local development, and translates the attention of public authorities to the cultural sector and the efforts made to support cinematic production, accompany creators, and highlight the cultural components of the region, in addition to contributing to the revitalization of economic and service movement," said Souna Ben Amar.
Beyond the activities in the city, the historical site 'Khan al-Qawafil' in Bordj Badji Mokhtar, located in Bordj Tinerkouk, has undergone renovation. Officials placed the site under the authority of the National Center for Cinema to function as a dedicated production and acting space. This development aims to provide infrastructure for creative projects within the region.
