The 5th Sétif International Cinema Days took place from May 4th to 7th.
The idea was initiated by Sétif’s Office of Tourism and Culture, whose director Khaled Mehennaoui says the event “offers a space for industry professionals – film-makers and operators – to get together, Algerians but also from outside the country.” The Days provide “an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of film because it creates cultural and artistic bridges while offering opportunities for practical cooperation and exchanges between participating countries.”
21 short films from 10 countries were in competition. A jury of professionals and artists, chaired by the Algerian director Djaffar Kacem, presented awards to the best films in the selection.
The short film, Coup de Pouce, directed by Abdelkader Guidoum (Algeria) won the Epi d’or, the festival’s highest distinction. Guidoum’s film focusses on a dreaming architect, Zeddam, as he faces a personal dilemma: should he abandon his trademark childishness to please his boss or quit his job? The Epi d’argent was awarded to Bilal Al Khatib’s Palestine 87 (Palestine) and the Epi de bronze to Aya Aouni’s 32 (Tunisia).
Sources: El Watan, Le Jour d’Algérie, L’Est Républicain
