Category: Lifestyle

Tunis: After an initial display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from November 19, 2023 to March 03, 2024, drawing nearly 190,000 visitors, a collection of works from Tunisia on the Byzantine period (from the foundation of Constantinople to the fall of the city by the Ottomans) is currently on show at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, as part of the 2nd stage of the largest travelling exhibition in the United States of America “Africa and Byzantium,” held on April 14-July 21, 2024.

The pieces, from three museums – the National Museum of Carthage, the Archaeological Museum of Enfidha and the National Museum of Islamic Art in Raqqada – TAP learned, bear witness to the contribution of African know-how and its influence on art and culture throughout the Byzantine Empire in its eastern and western parts, highlighting the influence of North Africa on Byzantine civilisation in its artistic, cultural and religious expressions.

The collection consists of two mosaics, including “The Lady of Carthage,”
considered to be one of the exhibition’s masterpieces. This emblematic piece from the Carthage Museum is a female representation that should be the personification of the city of Carthage in the Christian era.

Also on display are Christian lamps depicting Adam and Eve and the twelve apostles, terracotta tiles depicting the sacrifice of Abram, with biblical themes and Christian motifs, and two sheets of the Koran dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, when Africa became a Muslim empire.

A delegation from the National Heritage Institute (INP) led by its Managing Director Tarek Baccouche, attended the inauguration of the second and final phase of the travelling exhibition, in which Tunisia is participating alongside several other countries including Egypt, Morocco, France and Greece, with collections dating from the 4th and 5th centuries and tracing the relationship between Africa and the Byzantine Empire.

According to information presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “the Africa and Byzantium exhibiti
on recounts Africa’s central role in international networks of trade and cultural exchange. With nearly 200 artworks rarely or never before seen in public, Africa and Byzantium sheds new light on the staggering artistic achievements of medieval Africa.”

“This long-overdue exhibition highlights how the continent contributed to the development of the premodern world and offers a more complete history of the vibrant multiethnic societies of north and east Africa that shaped the artistic, economic, and cultural life of Byzantium and beyond.”

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunsi: More than 700 Tunisian and foreign artists are expected to perform in Hammamet for the ninth edition of the Yasmine Hammamet International Carnival, scheduled for April 19, 20 and 21, 2024.

This annual event is organised by La Médina Yasmine Hammamet in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts and several other partners.

In a press release published on Monday, a copy of which was sent to TAP, La Médina Yasmine Hammamet announced that this carnival “will mark the opening of the tourist season in the seaside resort of Yasmine Hammamet.

It is being organised as part of the ongoing promotion of this resort as one of Tunisia’s top tourist destinations”.

This multicultural event will bring together artists from Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Tunisia, which will be represented by over 300 artists.

Spectacular carnival parades and other artistic and entertainment shows highlighting the region’s cultural wealth will be staged in the main streets of the Yasmin
e Hammamet resort.

According to the organisers, more than 35,000 people and 600 artists from 8 different countries took part in the last edition of this annual carnival, which attracts large numbers of visitors every year

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: 25 countries, 314 pavilions, including 154 Tunisian and 20 official pavilions, 8 prizes, almost 280 workshops for children and young people in 7 pavilions, more than 109,000 titles: these are some of the figures for the 38th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair (French: FILT), which will be held at the Kram Exhibition Centre from April 19 to 28, 2024.

At a press conference held on Monday afternoon at the City of Culture in Tunis, president of the organising committee, academic Mohamed Salah Kadri, said this exceptional event was being organised in solidarity with Palestine in order to break the “intellectual blockade” in a struggle that he described as “a cultural existence”.

On the other hand, this landmark event, marked by the participation of Italy as Guest of Honour, will be an opportunity to strengthen dialogue in the publishing sector, creating direct synergies between authors and publishers from the two countries, which share a common history and a proximity that is not only geographic
al, but extends to all areas of art and culture.

In order to bring books in all formats and on all media closer to children and rekindle their creative spirit, the Tunis International Book Fair, in collaboration with several parties, including the Ministry of Communication Technologies and the Digital Economy and the TICDCE, has planned a rich programme of workshops with varied content (readings in various literary genres, music, drawing….), educational games and immersive experiences.

On April 28, prizes will be awarded to the most interactive children.

The 2024 edition will see the presence of a large number of renowned authors from several countries, including Bayrem Ettounsi’s grandson, the Egyptian poet Mahmoud Bayrem Ettounsi, French writer and philosopher Alain Jugnon and Algerian writer, novelist, literary critic and academic Waciny Laredj, as well as Tunisian writers living abroad, including the poet Sami Amri.

It will pay tribute to the memory of the great Tunisian poet Mohamed Ghozzi and Kuwa
iti poet Abdulaziz Saud Babtine, in the presence of his son.

Palestine at the heart of the debate: Several Palestinian authors will be present, including writer Adania Shibli, philosopher Ahmed Bargaoui, Palestinian writer living in Syria, Hassan Hamid Ben Ahmed, and writer Zied Khaddech. Palestine will also be at the heart of the cultural programme organised as part of the fair.

The meeting-debate section will focus on narratives of genocide and resistance, with topics such as “Writing pain in Arab literature” and “The Palestinian, who is he? The lecture-debate section will include two lectures: La résistance et la question de l’engagement intellectuel, artistique et littéraire” and “La Palestine dans la littérature tunisienne” proposed by the Union of Tunisian Writers.

Italy as guest of honour: a dozen Italian authors will be present, including the writer, podcaster and youtuber Roberto Mercadini, author of the famous book ‘Le Génie et les ténèbres’, the writer and translator Evelina Santangelo from Pale
rmo, and the writer, journalist and thinker Marcello Veneziani. Five publishing houses and the works of twelve publishers are at the heart of a cultural programme under the banner of “The Mediterranean Soul”, with an exchange of words, including different literary genres – novels, poetry and essays covering various fields: culture, art, history, …. – with a programme dedicated to children and young people (6-13 years) and an educational laboratory dedicated to the Italian language.

The International Cultural Days: The fair’s foreign guests will have their say in the “International Cultural Days” section, with authors from Lebanon, Senegal, Argentina, Yemen, Egypt, China, Mauritania, Kuwait and Spain.

Six governorates at fair: in this annual rendezvous awaited by all book lovers in Tunis and beyond, six governorates are taking part, each with its own special features: Monastir, the pearl of the Mediterranean”, “Ariana, the bosquet of a thousand and one flowers”, “Gabes, oasis of art and creation”, “Sfax, c
ultural industry, roots and history”, “Kairouan, echo of splendour and memory of creators” and “Le Kef, crossroads of civilisations”.

The Tunisian Book Forum: this section aims to present Tunisian research publications in various disciplines, including Samir Becha’s “Encyclopédie de la musique tunisienne”, Hichem Ben Ammar’s “Image et imagination” and Mohamed Kilani’s “Le Livre sportif”.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: A migration themed film evening with short films from various African countries featuring in the “10 Views on Migration” project, most of which have never before been shown in Tunisia, is scheduled to take place at Cinémadart, Carthage, on April 4.

Organised at the initiative of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, North Africa office, this event is part of “10 views on Migration” project which aims to create an alternative point of view on migration and refugees, beyond the stereotypes. Through the power of film, audiences are informed and attracted to understanding the diverse realities of immigrants’ and refugees’ lives.

The screening programme includes nine films from nine countries, namely Tunisia, Algeria, Djibouti, Gambia, Mali, Senegal, Egypt, South Africa and Cameroon.

The event will also see the inauguration of the “10 views on Migration” exhibition, which presents different points of view of young African filmmakers on migration in and outside the continent.

Emphasis will be placed on perspectiv
es and experiences that rarely appear in the mainstream of international media reporting, such as the dimensions of migration within Africa and migrants’ capacity for action and creativity.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: El Kef, the cradle city of Sicca Jazz or Siccaveneria, will play host to the festival’s ninth edition on May 1-4.

Sixteen performances from five countries, namely Tunisia, France, Austria, the United Kingdom and Palestine, are on the agenda.

La Kasbah, El Kef Centre of Dramatic and Performing Arts, Boumakhlouf Square and the Music and Theatre Institute are the festival venues.

A performance by Palestinian playwright Hassan Kaoud “Maken” is scheduled at the opening ceremony.

Exclusive concerts will be held exceptionally in Sfax as part of this edition (May 1-5).

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation launched a call for applications for the “Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026” title with the deadline set for July 7.

The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD) initiative was launched in 2023 and is now in its second edition. The initiative consists of two cities, one from the North and one from the South of the Mediterranean, designated by the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean, including Tunisia, for one calendar year. The two cities will implement cultural, socio- economic, and sporting programmes to highlight their heritage and cultural policies, respective Mediterranean identities, and shared EuroMediterranean vision.

The two cities will be invited to collaborate in the manner and level of interaction they deem appropriate.

The initiative is expected to develop regional ties and dialogue through culture, encourage deeper mutual understanding and stronger solidarity within the Eur
o-Mediterranean region and strengthen the ability to promote the region’s diverse cultures.

The designation will also represent an opportunity for socio-economic development for local and regional territories by promoting cultural and creative sectors and, indirectly, tourism.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

TUNIS: La Semaine de la Critique has chosen French-Tunisian director and actress Hafsia Herzi to feature on the poster of its 63rd edition.

La Semaine de la Critique, Cannes parallel selection dedicated to first and second films will be held on May 15-23, 2024.

“On the poster of the 63rd edition of La Semaine de la Critique, Hafsia Herzi extends a smile and a gaze to Nina Meurisse, in Iris Kaltenbäck’s first feature film The Rapture,” reads a press release by La Semaine in which it unveils the poster of its forthcoming edition.

“Hafsia Herzi tugs at our heartstrings, with her piercing earnestness and soothing generosity. A young woman who is deeply rooted in life, as straightforward as she is secretive, noble and rebellious,” according to the same source.

“La Semaine de la Critique is the ever-repeating story of an encounter, that rare, precious moment when a first opus reveals the promise of a great artist. In 2019 Hafsia Herzi had already directed You Deserve a Lover – which was screened at a special sc
reening of La Semaine.”

“An actress’s deeply moving endeavour to share with us her wildest dreams, the results / fruits of her struggle, and her first steps as a filmmaker. Much like Frida Kahlo wrote in her poem of the same name: «You deserve a lover who wants to dance with you, who goes to paradise every time he looks into your eyes and never gets tired of studying your expressions.»

For the last 63 years, La Semaine de la Critique has been sharing its passion for cinema, harbinger of what is to come, year in, year out, assisting short-film and feature-film directors sharing their outlook on the world we live in.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

TUNIS: The Francophonie Days 2024 in Tunisia were officially launched on Tuesday evening during an event organised by the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Tunisia (GAF) at the City of Science in Tunis.

Co-organised by the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) Representation for North Africa and the Canadian Embassy in Tunis, the event was an opportunity to present the major activities planned in Tunisia over the coming weeks, highlighting the diversity, richness and vitality of the Francophonie.

This year, the cultural activities will not be limited to March, but will extend over a longer period, in anticipation of the forthcoming Summit of the Francophonie in Villers-Cotterêts, France, on October 4 and 5, 2024, on the theme “Create, innovate and do business in French”.

The Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation was created in 1970. It later became the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), of which Tunisia was a founding member.

The activities of the 2024 Francopho
nie Days in Tunisia are in line with the 2024-2027 programming of the OIF, adopted in Yaoundé on November 3 and 4, 2023 during the 44th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie (CMF).

This is the first programme proposed by Secretary General, Louise Mushikiwabo, since she took office. It highlights the role of the French language in culture, education, democracy, governance and sustainable development, and includes twenty projects focused on tangible results to meet the needs of Francophone populations.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The competition, which is being done in collaboration between the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) and local body Seychelles Elite Pro Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, will take place on Saturday, at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Beach Resort.

The chairperson of the Seychelles Elite Pro Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Chantal Pinchon, told SNA that “it was during the IFBB congress last year, that we met with the president, and there the idea of Seychelles hosting an IFBB event came around and was agreed upon.”

The event will start at 6 p.m. and eight participants from Seychelles, six men and two women have already confirmed their participation. These will be Savio Larue, Elicks Rapide, Jean-Luc Belle, Andy Anthony and Derrick Mensah, while Shereen Azemia and Lindsay Payet will compete among the ladies.

Pinchon explained that while this tournament is reserved for amateur bodybuilders, Ziad Meckdachi, who retired as a professional, will not be able to compete.

“There will be seven IFBB pro cards up for grabs, to the winners of each category. Getting an IFBB Pro Card means the bodybuilder becomes part of the elite. At this point you’ve made it, and have the opportunity to follow a genuine career as a professional bodybuilder, earning a decent income by competing and winning,” she said.

There will be six categories for men – bodybuilding, physique, classic physique, classic bodybuilding, junior classic bodybuilding, and junior men’s physique.

The ladies will compete in the bikini fitness, and bikini physique, as well as in the fit model categories.

Pinchon said that one of the advantages of Seychelles hosting the competition is that the participants will not have to deal with the expenses and going abroad.

She said she was hoping to get more local participants.

“I want the athletes to be more serious with the sport, where they have to ensure that they are ready in time for such competitions,” said Pinchon, who revealed that Seychelles will in fact hold a second international competition on June 22, 2024.

Tickets for the competition cost SCR300 ($22) while those wishing to attend the competition and the buffet dinner will have to pay SCR1200 ($90).

Source: Seychelles News Agency

Nakuru County Government in partnership with the National Government and other private players have combined to train selected theatre companies drawn from the County through a two-month programme dubbed ‘County Theatre Fiesta’. The County Culture Officer Erick Muriuki, who was in today’s workshop noted that the County government is at the forefront of supporting the creative industry, even as the county administration is in its early stages of coming up with cultural and creative policies. Kenya Cultural Centre (KCC- NT) Communication Officer Lucy Karaya said the agency has sourced experts who have excelled in the theatre industry to train the participants on key elements of producing a quality theatre production, scripting, directing, acting, marketing and publicity, theatre lighting and sound, stage management, production design and producing. Other partners on board are the Kenya National Theatre, the Kenya International Theatre Festival, the American Corner and the Nakuru Players Theatre among others. The program which is being rolled out in six Counties is in line with the National Government’s Talanta Hela Initiative programme administered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Arts and Sports. The director of the Nakuru Players’ Theater, Joseph Maina, alias Babushe, commended the government for eventually realizing the importance of training actors, as a way of creating employment and hopefully making the country a film powerhouse. He bemoaned the misplaced believe of many young actors, who aren’t willing to be trained because they mistakenly imagine that talent was everything. But, he advised all talented people in whichever field to appreciate that without proper training achievement was curtailed. Babushe, who has acted in many locals plays, said lack of jobs has pushed a lot of young people into theatre, with the fallacious certainty, that it was an easier and faster way of making money. However, he noted that it took him over ten years to be noticed by UNESCO, and what made him to persist and endure the tuberous years was a searing passion, that rejected any negative thoughts because he knew his life was on stage and nowhere else. He has fond memories of his acting year’s in ‘Tausi,’ Tushauriane’, and’ plot ten’ that made locals to be glued on their screens every Sunday evening, adding that he looks forward to those golden years of theatre in the country. Additionally, he said the country has numerous raw talent right away from ECD to university, and added this is annually evident during the National Drama Competition.

Source: Kenya News Agency