Tunisia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause cannot be ignored. In solidarity with the situation in Palestine, the Carthage Cinematographic Days, the oldest film festival in Africa, have been canceled. However, although this major cultural event has been canceled, other cultural actions are emerging in Tunisia to support the Palestinian cause.
A support concert was recently organized in Tunis, with all proceeds donated to the Tunisian Red Crescent to support the humanitarian effort in Palestine. This event also made it possible to raise public awareness of the reality of Palestinians through the translation of information, the creation of content and the sharing of their culture. It is a form of activism that gives voice to the Palestinian cause in a country where spaces for free expression are becoming rare.
Despite the cancellation of the Carthage Cinematographic Days, certain Tunisian cultural structures have taken the initiative of modifying their programming to include films and events in support of the Palestinian cause. This is the case of CinéMadart in Carthage, which released the film “Alam” directed by Firas Khoury. This decision aims to provide the public with a space for debate and to show other images and voices on Palestine, outside of traditional media.
These cultural actions come in addition to the political demonstrations taking place in Tunisia in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. By bringing together hundreds of people, they make it possible to strengthen mobilization and challenge those most reluctant to support Palestine.
Tunisia retains a rich cultural history linked to the Palestinian cause. Beyond canceled events, cultural actions continue to be an important way to resist and support Palestine. By giving voice to this cause through music, cinema and other forms of artistic expression, Tunisia maintains its commitment to Palestine and contributes to raising public awareness of the complex situation in which this neighboring country finds itself.