Najaa El Fen Artistic Creation Festival Returns for its Fourth Edition
The Najaa El Fen festival is back this year for its fourth edition, once again nestled in the sandy dunes. The outlines of this unique event, rich in its offerings and location, have already been revealed. Music, visual arts, and inspiring encounters... everything is coming together for a memorable week.
Event Details
From October 21 to 26, the Sahara desert in Douz will host an artistic camp, faithful to its name, with the same vocation: "When the Sahara meets and brings art and creativity to life." The founder and director of Najaa El Fen, Mr. Ridha Mansouri, is a university professor of music and teaches at the University of Lyon 2. He is the composer of numerous theater pieces, including "Om el Boldane," recently presented at the Hammamet International Festival. He is also working on a book, "L'initiation musicale," to be published soon.
Concept and Inspiration
As an artist and educator, Mr. Mansouri conceived this event, drawing from his Bedouin roots. "I wanted to create a camp, in the style of the Bedouin gatherings in the desert. When I was a child, we lived in a community in movable tents. I grew up in a real najaa. I transformed this childhood memory into an artistic concept," he confided.
Festival Program
The Douz Vacation and Training Center is preparing to welcome participants and festival-goers. Access to the site will be easy by public transportation from the city center. The number of artists present on site is estimated at 100, and the event will reach between 5,000 and 10,000 people, according to the director.
The festival is not limited to musical concerts, as Mr. Mansouri pointed out. Music is an essential component of the lineup, but it is not the only focus for participants. "We will welcome artists and support them in developing their projects. The festival is also open to the general public, offering a tourist aspect. Those who want to explore the desert or observe the artistic workshops closely are welcome."
Calls for Participation and Workshops
Calls for participation have already been launched on social media, via the official page of Najaa El Fen and that of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Soloists, their partner for this edition. Three musical groups will be taken care of, offering a unique opportunity for those who want to do an artistic residency in the desert to create, finalize a musical project, or prepare a concert or album.
Three musical workshops are already announced:
- A training session on orchestra conducting will be led by French maestro Patrice Pinero, covering gesture techniques and score analysis.
- A singing and vocal techniques workshop will be directed by Aida Nyati.
- A workshop on film music will be led by composer Rabii Zammouri. Diplomas will be awarded to participants.
National Competition and Closing Concert
A national competition for young musicians is also planned. "We want to remind you of the committed vocation of Najaa El Fen," emphasizes Mr. Mansouri, who insists on the festival's role as a platform for exchange, valorization of intangible heritage, and support for artistic creation in often marginalized territories.
The festival will close with a grand concert by the famous Lebanese singer Marcel Khalifa, accompanied by Tunisian musicians under the direction of Achref Bettibi. It is worth noting that previous editions were held in collaboration with Mohamed Ali Kamoun and Zied Zouari. A "Ramla" project is planned in collaboration with Zied Zouari and Karim Thlibi for artistic direction, as indicated by Mr. Mansouri.
Visual Arts and Projection
A visual projection will be made using mapping on the dunes and will focus on symbols of Bedouin culture. "We initially considered a short film reproducing the life of the Bedouins, with live music. But, due to financial obstacles, we had to replace this idea with another profound concept that will fill an entire evening," specified Mr. Ridha Mansouri.
Arts and Activities
A great interest will be given to visual arts. The festival will welcome Saudi artist Houssein Hebil. A call for projects has recently been launched for artists specializing in monumental works for public spaces. Artists will work on creations inspired by the elements of the desert, oases, and local life. Activities will be organized with local young people, outside the festival walls.
Competition and Exporting the Concept
Finally, to energize creation and deepen the artistic quest, Mr. Mansouri informed us that a competition is planned. "Participants will be invited to spend three days with us in the desert and to come out of this experience with a work conceived from the inspiration drawn from the location."
Far from being limited to a festive meeting, this artistic camp wants to be a full-fledged human adventure, closely linked to the cultural and heritage riches of the region. The founder aims to export the concept: "The idea is not specific to a city or country. We will be in Tataouine next year and we are considering an edition abroad, notably in the United Arab Emirates."
More details on the programming and invited artists will be announced soon at the press conference. We will return to this topic.
