Tunis Carthage Times

The Cinematographic Days of Carthage (JCC) winded up on Saturday night in the capital Tunis; the closure ceremony was held in the Municipal theatre, the illustrious “Candy Box” in the presence of the Tunisian Minister of Culture and Heritage Preservation, and a large number of Tunisian and foreign guests.

Speaking to Alarabonline, Director Nouri Bouzid said, “The organisation of the Cinematographic Days of Carthage is excellent… The large public that attended the JCC intrigued me… Such a high number reveals that Tunisians have a special love for the 7th art: the public is in a way asking for more cinematic works”.

After a musical piece played Brothers Gharbi, Director of the JCC, Dorra Bouchoucha, opened the closure ceremony saying, “Dear Minister, Dear mayor, we will be concluding tonight the JCC… an edition that brought us together in workshops, discussions, and movie theatres… We thank all the staff that helped us organise this event”.

Throughout the ceremony awards were announced by Algerian writer, Yasmina Khadra and distributed: the Tanit D’Or (Golden Tanit) went to “Teza” by Haile Gerima from Ethiopia; the Silver Tanit went to “Leila’s Birthday” by Rashid Masharawi from Palestine; the Bronze Tanit went to “Khamsa” by Karim Dridi from Tunisia.

Present during the ceremony, Egyptian actor Ezzat Alayli said, “Most of the full-length movies participating in the 22nd edition of the JCC are good, if not excellent. Carthage has familiarized us with high-quality works and the presence of a large public added to all this. There is a fine artistic touch this year. The discussions that took place between the members of the jury were very valuable for they allowed us to exchange ideas and visions, and come to know each other”.

Teza, a poetic work of Ethiopian director Haile Gerima won several prizes, namely the prize for the best scenario, the prize for the best masculine second role, the prize of the best music, the prize of the best image, as well as the Golden Tanit. The movie tells the story of contemporary Ethiopia, with its dreams, and disillusionment, its drama and its hopes. 

The Algerian cinema, coming back to the front line, got a number of JCC prizes: The Prize of the Children Jury, and the Prize of the Best film went to “Masquerades” by Lyes Salem; the second Algerian full-length movie “The Yellow House” by Amor Hakkar received the special prize of the Jury.

The Tanit of Honour went to Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyate who said, “Owing to Tunisia, I emerged from shadow to light for Tunisia is the first country that has honoured me. Being here is both a duty and an honour.