Cancellation of Carthage Film Festival ignites youth-led cinematic initiatives in Tunisia: Hayet

Tunisia has been a favorite shooting destination for leading Hollywood filmmakers over the years. Situated on the Mediterranean coast of Northwest Africa, Tunisia’s scenic locations have helped realize Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Star Wars: A New Hope,’ ‘Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ and ‘The English Patient,’ among others. The world renowned Carthage Film Festival that takes place in Tunisia’s capital city of Tunis every year is the dean of Arab and African film festivals. But this year the festival has been called off.
In this interview, Tunisian Ambassador to India, Hayet Talbi EP Bilel talks about the cancellation of the Carthage Film Festival this year while sharing Tunisia’s view on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Exploring diplomatic ties, cultural connections, and global views, Ambassador Talbi also highlights the shared goals and changing dynamics shaping the bond between India and Tunisia. From politics to cinema, the conversation gives a colorful glimpse into the evolving partnership between Tunisia and India.

Excerpts
Q. Can you provide some background on the Carthage Film Festival and the recent cancellation of the event?
A. The Tunisian government, in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and acknowledging the critical humanitarian situation there, decided to cancel the 34th Carthage Film Festival, the oldest cinema showcase in Africa. However, this cancellation didn’t halt cinematic events entirely. It actually paved the way for various initiatives organized by Tunisian youth and civil society organizations. These initiatives aimed to spotlight Palestinian struggle films, serving as an alternative platform during the festival’s canceled edition.
Q. How does Tunisia view the conflict between Hamas and Israel?
A. Tunisia vehemently condemns the ongoing attacks on civilians and civilian structures by Israeli forces. The actions of the Israeli occupation, in Tunisia’s view, have only exacerbated the situation by obstructing potential political resolutions. Tunisia stands in unwavering support of the rights of the Palestinian people. The country advocates for the establishment of a Palestinian state on their rightful land.
Q. What efforts has the Tunisian Government made to support de-escalation internationally?
A. In response to the relentless Israeli aggression against Palestinians and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Tunisia actively engaged in international efforts aimed at de-escalation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs reached out to counterparts globally, urging immediate action to halt the aggression. Tunisia emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among nations to end the conflict and ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.

Q. Why did Tunisia abstain from voting on the UN resolution regarding the Palestinian issue?
A. Tunisia chose to abstain from voting on the UN resolution due to certain crucial omissions. The resolution failed to strongly condemn war crimes committed by the occupying forces and neglected to demand an immediate cessation of the aggression. Tunisia’s abstention stemmed from the resolution’s failure to distinguish between the aggressor and the victim, which conflicted with Tunisia’s stance on unequivocal condemnation of the attacks.

Q. Could you highlight cultural connections between India and Tunisia and initiatives strengthening ties?
A. During 2023 we succeeded to finalize discussions between the governments of Tunisia and India on a draft agreement related to the program of cultural cooperation for the period 2023-2026. The MoU was signed by Ms. Hayet Guermazi, Minister of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia & H.E. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary CPV & Overseas Indian Affairs, o, the occasion of the fifth session of the Tunisia –India political consultations, hosted by Tunisia from 16 to 18 May 2023.

This agreement will contribute to raising the level of cultural cooperation between the two countries with regard to participating in cultural events and organizing of Tunisian cultural days in India and Indian cultural days in Tunis to further introduce and promote the two diversified cultures and civilizations of both friendly countries.

On the other hand, during my meetings with Indian government officials, especially Honorable Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India Mrs Meenakshi Lekhi, I found all support to Embassy’s suggestions to organize events that showcase Tunisian culture, such as dance performances, music concerts, cinematographic days or art exhibitions.

Q. What makes Tunisia an attractive destination for filmmakers, particularly from India? Could you please elaborate highlighting the various factors?
A. With vast areas of unspoilt desert, traditional towns with Berber and Moorish style architecture and colourful, lively medinas, Tunisia offers a wide choice of filming locations that could suit all sorts of productions. Many of its towns have a traditional look, with well-preserved architecture that would be ideal for a historic piece.

Over 130 productions have filmed under Tunisian skies over the years. “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” was filmed in Tunisia, with the country standing in for “the Holy Land. Both “The English Patient” and “Indiana Jones” and “The Raiders of the Lost Ark” were set in Cairo, but actually filmed in Tunisia, as certain parts of the country look very similar. Perhaps the most famous production to be filmed in Tunisia was the original “Star Wars” movie, “A New Hope”, which used the traditional cave homes in Tataouine and the surrounding desert to create the look of a distant planet.

Legendary film director George Lucas arguably awarded Tunisia the greatest cinematic accolade when he declared that Tunisia was the only place on earth to shoot the Star Wars series .Today, many thousands of Star Wars fans make the pilgrimage to Tunisia to visit all the film set locations in the country’s south.

Tunisia has many advantages making it an attractive destination for Indian filmmakers to shoot Indian films in Tunisia, including:

• A strategic location: Located at the northern tip of the African continent and only 2 hours flight from major European capitals from Europe. The fact that there are 1435 flights between Tunisia and Europe every week highlights how accessible the country has become.
• A variety of landscapes in a small country: Tunisia represents an open-air film set. Sand dunes, rocky desert, beaches, sea, mountains, Tunisia offers an outfit of diversified locations on a small territory. In addition you will enjoy the softness of the climate, the blue of the sky and light of an exceptional quality. Endowed with a soft climate, our country remains friendly in summer and winter alike.
• Wonderful attractive historical sites and monuments: Cradle of the wonderful Carthage and at the crossroads of civilizations, Tunisia also boasts a very rich cultural heritage since 3000 years. The archaeological sites scattered all over Tunisia, are a testimony to the crucial role the country used to play between Africa and Europe, East and West.
• Availability of experimented technicians and actors: Many experimented technicians (English, French and Italian speaking) are available for all shooting departments. They have been trained in Tunisia and abroad and worked during several years with national film-makers as well as with international teams. Moreover, Tunisian actors of any kind of age and profile perform in both local and foreign films. There also some very experimented casting directors with a very important and updated talents database.
• Modern infrastructure: Tunisia has a full-developed transport and road network. All the cities are interconnected within one day maximum of movement for all the shooting crew. The country is an easy to travel destination whether by sea, through the eight seaports along the coast or by air through the nine international airports ensuring internal and international links.
• Very competitive prices: Thanks to a contained cost of living, Tunisia is one of the most convenient destinations for the shooting of movies. For the same shooting service, Tunisia costs at least 30 % cheaper than other North African countries.
• Easy and speedy administrative authorization for shooting films: Custom facilities have enabled the clearance of equipment within 48 hours of its arrival. There is a total exemption of the VAT (Value Added Tax) for any shooting in Tunisia. The shooting authorization is delivered by The Cinema Department in the Ministry of culture within two weeks maximum.