On what basis did you set up the programme?

Along with the Delegation of the European Commission we wanted to reveal the diversity of European cinema successes. This diversity may be found both in the scale of the success of the films screened and also in the subjects and genres of the films. Generally speaking, we wanted to show Algerian viewers that films, as well as reflecting national reality, can also affect people directly. And we are sure that all the films selected can communicate with Algerian audiences.

What is the situation with European films in Algeria?

Very few films are released at the moment. Some distributors release a few French films come what may, but that’s all. However, some embassies are very active so we were able to see a week of Italian film in Algiers recently and remarkable efforts have been made by the Spanish and the Germans.
The festival will, we hope, act as a driving force, although we are aware that the effects will not make themselves felt immediately. This type of event definitely has an impact, but over the long term. The Delegation is aware of this and knows that this first edition will be low-key. Next year, professional meetings will be organized, allowing links between Algerian and European professionals to be forged.

Are you also showing short films?

We are also showing a selection of European and Mediterranean short films which have been widely distributed in Europe. And we are very pleased to show two selections of shorts for children. In Algeria very few initiatives towards young audience are organized: for example El Mouggar cinema organizes screenings, with Kirikou et les Bêtes Sauvages shown recently. But that is all in its infancy. For this festival we are working with schools and nurseries and we would like this activity to become part of a real development of initiatives to bring children to the cinema.


Long feature films shown: The Sea Inside (Alejandro Amenabar), Caterina va in citta (Paolo Virzi), Land Of Plenty (Wim Wenders), Life is a miracle (Emir Kusturica), Strings (Anders Ronnow-Klarlund), Gilles' Wife (Frédéric Fonteyne), It's a long road (Ola ine dromos, Pantelis Voulgaris), Yasmin (Kenneth Glenaan), O Delfim (Fernando Lopes), Exiles (Tony Gatlif), Merry Christmas (Christian Carion).

Delegation of the European Commission to Algeria:
http://www.deldza.cec.eu.int/