The 59th Carthage International Festival: A Cultural Lighthouse Shining Across the Arab World

From July 19 to August 21, 2025, the historic Roman Theatre of Carthage hosted a dazzling sequence of concerts and cultural events as part of the 59th Carthage International Festival. Since its founding in 1964, the festival has been a living memory for Tunisians and a cultural beacon for the Arab world and beyond. Mohamed Qarni – Min Qa‘ al-Khabia The festival opened with a distinctly Tunisian evening led by Mohamed Qarni and his project “Min Qa‘ al-Khabia.” Blending traditional Tunisian sounds with modern arrangements, Qarni offered a performance that…

Ahlam Shines Bright at the 59th Carthage Festival Finale with a Night of Elegance and Emotion

The curtain of the 59th Carthage International Festival fell in dazzling fashion as Emirati superstar Ahlam took center stage, delivering an unforgettable performance before a packed Roman amphitheater overflowing with fans. The evening was more than a concert—it was a celebration of art, heritage, and heartfelt connections. From the very first note, Ahlam’s presence radiated confidence and grace. Dressed in a soft, refined gown that reflected her signature elegance, she mesmerized the audience not only with her voice but also with her style. In a gesture that embodied her generosity…

THE RED SEA FILM FOUNDATION UNVEILS PROGRAMMERS FOR FESTIVAL’S 2025 EDITION

The programming team includes TIFF film curator Giovanna Fulvi, former ArtisticDirector of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Deepti D’Cunha, Fasllah.com Editor-in-Chief Ahmed Al-Ayyad, Good Chaos CEO Mike Goodridge, and African cinema expert Alex Moussa Sawadogo The Red Sea Film Foundation (Red Sea FF) has unveiled the programming team for the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, which takes place from 4–13 December 2025 in the historic district of Al Balad, Jeddah Under the leadership of Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programs and Film Classics, the Arab Programming…

Paris to Host International Symposium Honoring Emirati Poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, UNESCO will host a major international symposium celebrating the centennial of Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais (1925–2025). Entitled “Sultan Al Owais… A Journey of Poetry, A Journey of Giving”, the event will take place on September 11–12, 2025, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Organized by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in cooperation with UNESCO, the two-day gathering will bring together leading scholars, poets, and orientalists…

Adam Ignites Carthage Festival Stage with a Storm of Emotion and Nostalgia

The Carthage International Festival witnessed an unforgettable evening on August 18, 2025, as Lebanese artist Adam took the stage in a performance brimming with passion, nostalgia, and raw emotion. Before a packed amphitheater, Adam delivered a repertoire of his most beloved hits, including “Kheles Edamaa,” “Hatha Ana,” and “Kifak Ent.” He also paid tribute to the golden era of Tarab with renditions of Dhekra’s “El Asami,” Mayada El Hennawy’s “Ana Baachaak,” and George Wassouf’s “Helef Al Amar.” From the first note, the audience responded with thunderous applause, often joining in…

Thalathoun” at Carthage Festival: A Posthumous Tribute to Fadhel Jaziri

The Carthage International Festival paid tribute to the late filmmaker and theater pioneer Fadhel Jaziri with a special screening of his celebrated film Thalathoun on August 17. The evening, filled with emotion, brought together audiences and cultural figures to honor the legacy of an artist who left a profound mark on Tunisia’s cultural history. Released in 2008 and later presented at the Carthage Film Days in 2010, Thalathoun takes its title from the 1930s, a turbulent decade in Tunisia’s modern history. Co-written with Aroussia Nalouti, the black-and-white feature combines archival…

Mai Farouk Pays Glorious Tribute to Umm Kulthum at Carthage Festival

The Carthage International Festival lit up last night as Egyptian singer Mai Farouk delivered a stirring tribute to Umm Kulthum, marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary diva’s passing. Held on the historic stage of the Roman theater, the concert drew a capacity audience, uniting generations in a shared celebration of Arab musical heritage. From the opening note, Farouk’s commanding voice and elegant stage presence evoked the spirit of Umm Kulthum while offering her own artistic interpretation. The audience, both young and old, responded with admiration and emotion, transforming the…

Ithra Short Play Competition Marks Five Years of Celebrating Theatrical Talent

The Ithra Short Play Competition has cemented its place as a launchpad for local and Arab theater talent, offering a platform where emerging artists can showcase their creativity before a panel of seasoned judges and a passionate audience. Its mission is clear: to foster a culture that values theater and to nurture works capable of standing on the international stage. The Winners This year’s edition concluded with several standout productions taking top honors. “Speak So I May See You” was named Best Play and also won Best Script Adaptation. Adnan…

Sofia Sadok’s Triumphant Return to Carthage: A Night of Patriotism, Love, and Tribute to Tunisian Women

Tunisian singer Sofia Sadok made a resounding comeback to the Carthage stage during the 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival, marking her first appearance in Tunisia since 2017. The evening, held in celebration of National Women’s Day, blended patriotic fervor, cultural heritage, and a deep homage to Tunisian womanhood. Opening with a series of patriotic songs, Sadok addressed the audience with heartfelt words:“I’m so happy to be here — I’ve missed you all so much. I want to salute Tunisian women on their national day and remind everyone that…

Stars of Darwish Shine on the Red Carpet at the Special Screening

The film will hit cinemas in Egypt starting August 13, and across the Arab world from August 28. The cast and crew of Darwish celebrated the film’s special premiere at VOX Cinemas, Mall of Egypt, in a festive atmosphere attended by the movie’s stars and creators, including Amr Youssef, Dina El Sherbiny, Tara Emad, Khaled Kamal, Mostafa Gharib, Ahmed Abdel Wahab, and a special appearance by Mohamed Shaheen. The Darwish team lit up the red carpet, joined by producers, media figures, influencers, and notable public personalities such as Tarek El…