ORAN — The commissioner of the Oran International Arab Film Festival (FIFAO), the artist Abdelkader Djeriou, affirmed Saturday in Oran that the upcoming twelfth edition of the event, scheduled for October 4-10, is making a strong comeback and will be exceptional.

At a press conference, Djeriou outlined the festival,s major points, stressing that this Algerian cultural event serves as a showcase and valuable platform for Arab filmmakers to exchange ideas and opinions.

He added, “Culture and Arts Minister Soraya Mouloudji is committed to ensuring that this event, which has both Arab and international significance, reclaims its position in the film world after a six-year break.”

Djeriou noted that this edition,s unique aspect is the participation of artists with long careers in cinema and a notable program featuring fictional works—many of them new—that are pioneering in the Arab world, Africa and internationally. He noted that “this edition will be exceptional.”

The opening night will feature special tributes to internationally renowned director and Palme d’Or winner Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, international director Costa Gavras and his wife and producer Michelle Gavras, in addition to the esteemed Egyptian artist Mahmoud Hamida.

Abdelkader Djeriou said that in solidarity with the Palestinian people, the festival will include a special segment entitled “Zero Distance... from Gaza to Oran”, screening 22 films made and produced in the Ghaza Strip by filmmakers defying the Zionist entity and all circumstances to make their voices heard.