The second Baghdad Film Festival opened on Monday, September 15, 2025, in the Iraqi capital, with Tunisia welcomed as this year’s guest of honor. The opening ceremony gathered filmmakers and artists from Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
On Tuesday, September 16, Tunisian cinema was celebrated at Al-Rasheed Theater with a tribute recognizing its century-long contributions to Arab and global cinema. Dr. Jabar Joudi, head of the Iraqi Artists Syndicate, praised Tunisia’s pioneering role and influence in the region. A special award was also presented posthumously to producer Nouri Ayad for his outstanding work in advancing Tunisian cinema, received on behalf of his family by Mounira Mnif from Tunisia’s Ministry of Culture.
The festival began with a screening of The Silences of the Palaces by the late director Moufida Tlatli, followed by a program of Tunisian films showcasing the country’s diversity and creativity. Screenings include On the Edge by Sahar El-Echi, When Do We Meet After a Year by Amani Jaafer, Lino Africano by Marouane Nabil, Journey by Jamil Najjar, Keratin Day by Sami Tlili, the feature documentary Sudan Ya Ghali by Hind Meddeb, and Borj Erroumi by Moncef Dhouib.
Festival Director Dr. Hikmat Al-Baydhani noted that celebrations of Tunisian cinema will continue until September 17 with book launches, roundtable discussions, and further film screenings.
