36th Edition of Carthage Film Festival (JCC) to Take Place from December 13 to 20, 2025
The 36th edition of the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) is scheduled to take place from December 13 to 20, 2025. During a press conference held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, the festival committee revealed the details of an edition described as the most diverse and open, while preserving the festival's historical identity as a platform for progressive Arab and African cinema.
Festival Director's Statement
In his speech, Tarek Ben Chaabane, director of this edition, affirmed that the festival continues to adhere to its fundamental intellectual and artistic principles. This is reflected in the maintenance of traditional sections, including competitions for feature films, documentaries, and short films, as well as the "Carthage Cinéma Prometteur" section, which showcases works from various international film schools.
Tribute Program and Youth Involvement
Ben Chaabane also mentioned an expanded tribute program, including Algerian director Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, Malian director Souleymane Cissé, Beninese filmmaker Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, and Tunisian producer Abdelaziz Ben Mlouka. Additionally, the festival will give a large place to young people in the various sections.
Environmental Focus and "Cinéma Vert" Section
Ben Chaabane highlighted that this edition will focus on environmental issues through the "Cinéma Vert" section, which presents a selection of films dealing with ecological topics from several countries. In this context, he mentioned a documentary film about French nuclear tests in the Algerian desert and their repercussions decades later: "Atomique Répercussion" by director Rachid Bouchareb.
"New Arab Cinema" Roundtable
He also announced the organization of a roundtable on "New Arab Cinema" which will re-examine the questions that have concerned creators since the 1980s regarding the place of Arab cinema in the face of technological developments and changes in viewing habits.
Contribution to Tunisian Cinema and Budget
On his part, Chaker Cheikhi, in charge of managing the National Center for Cinema and Image, emphasized that the JCC festival, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, has contributed over the decades to the emergence of Tunisian production companies and talents that have acquired significant international presence. He indicated that the budget for the 36th edition of this event amounts to 3.8 million dinars, with 3 million dinars coming from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and 800,000 dinars from revenue and partnerships.
Ticket Prices and Public Attendance
He explained that ticket prices will be symbolic (5 and 6 dinars, and 3 dinars for students) in order to strengthen public attendance, which is expected to increase this year.
