Vietnam named Guest of Honour at Imedghassen Int’l Film Festival 2025
VOV.VN - Vietnam has been invited as the guest of honour to the fifth Imedghassen International Film Festival 2025, set to take place at Batna city, Northeastern Algeria, from September 10 to 16.

In an article published on August 24, Algerian French-language newspaper El Moudjahid praised the rising prominence of Vietnamese cinema, calling it a cinematic voice that is rich in humanity, poetic depth, and deeply rooted in national history. The paper highlighted that the festival will offer Algerian audiences a valuable opportunity to experience the evolution and unique character of Vietnamese film.
Vietnamese cinema, according to El Moudjahid, has developed through decades of war and a national aspiration for independence. Iconic films such as Cô Gái Hà Nội (Hanoi Girl) and Bao Giờ Cho Đến Tháng Mười (When the Tenth Month Comes) have left a profound mark, skillfully blending personal tragedy with a collective memory, thereby helping to shape the identity of national cinema.
The paper noted that a new generation of directors continues to renew perspectives on the country like Tran Anh Hung, whose film Mùa đu đủ xanh (The Scent of Green Papaya) won the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993, and Pham Thien An, who was honoured at Cannes 2023 with Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell. They have affirmed the vitality and standing of Vietnamese cinema on the international stage, while still preserving its authenticity and rich cultural identity.
El Moudjahid stressed that Vietnam’s selection as the guest of honour at the Imedghassen Film Festival 2025 is no coincidence. Both counties have experienced long struggles for independence and continue to uphold values of resilience, cultural pride, and solidarity. Honouring Vietnamese cinema at this event, therefore, is not only a celebration of art but also a tribute to the enduring friendship between the two peoples.
As part of the festival, Algerian audiences will have the chance to enjoy award-winning works, classic films, as well as contemporary creations of Vietnam, spanning genres such as historical realism, social drama, and lyrical storytelling. These screenings will be complemented by exchanges, discussions, and cultural dialogues, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the themes, aesthetics, and evolution of Vietnamese cinema.
First held in 2019, the Imedghassen International Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the art of film and fostering cultural dialogue among nations. It has quickly become a gathering place for filmmakers from Algeria and abroad, with a particular focus on works by young directors. Featuring film screenings, award ceremonies, workshops, and artist exchanges, the event not only showcases outstanding cinematic creations but also serves as a bridge in strengthening international friendship.