"Cinema in Our Backyards" is the slogan for the latest edition of the Djerba International Film Festival.

Djerba / Reem Shaker Today, April 23, at a hotel on the “Island of Dreams,” Djerba, we met with Ms. Abla Lesoud, the world-renowned athlete and director of the Djerba International Film Festival, where details of the upcoming edition were announced.  

Ms. Abla Lesoud stated that although the global climate does not encourage the organization of such events, her love for Tunisia and the island of Djerba, and her belief in the need to support cultural tourism through the seventh art, give her a strong impetus to continue working and realize her dream of sustaining the festival’s success.

She also noted that this edition will feature several changes, the most significant of which is that the festival’s usual date (June) will be moved, due to the global event that will capture the world’s attention: the World Cup. It has been decided that the 2026 edition will take place at the end of summer. She added that the festival will be held on the island of Djerba for three days and will also move to the City of Lights, Paris, where it will run for three days.

 She also stated that the theme of this edition will be “Cinema in Our Neighborhoods,” explaining that this theme aligns with a culture of proximity, as the films will reach audiences who may find it difficult to travel to watch movies, so the festival decided to bring the films to them. In conclusion, Ms. Abla Lasoud noted that this press release serves as a tribute from the festival to the people of Djerba to announce the event, pending the press conference for further details.