Wilaya of Auserd, April 28, 2026 (SPS) – The 19th edition of the International Film Festival in Western Sahara officially opened Tuesday in the wilaya of Auserd, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Brahim Ghali, along with members of the National Secretariat, the government, and international delegations from various countries.
The festival’s activities began with a welcoming speech by the governor of the wilaya, member of the National Secretariat, Ms. Khira Bulahi, who greeted the President of the Republic, the delegations, and all attendees of this edition. She emphasized the importance of culture as a means of resistance and a tool to raise awareness about the Sahrawi cause, as well as to build meaningful connections with global cultures. She also praised the significant efforts of the Ministry of Culture in this field.
Mohamed Ghali, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister of Culture, highlighting that the FiSahara Festival—enjoying considerable national and international attention—is an opportunity to showcase the distinct features of Sahrawi culture, highlight its human and social dimensions, and shed light on the characteristics of the Sahrawi struggle and its unique experience in resisting occupation, especially under the exceptional circumstances facing the Sahrawi cause.
He also outlined to participants the main themes and key objectives of this edition, focusing on its cultural goals as well as its political and social dimensions, presenting it as a promising cultural and solidarity-driven event.
The audience then attended the opening film screenings, including a film addressing the hunger strike carried out by activist Aminatou Haidar on the Canary Island of Lanzarote.
During the remaining days of the festival, which runs until May 3, several films are expected to be screened, addressing the national cause through a cinematic artistic perspective by specialized directors and artists.
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