The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 14th edition of the Sousse International Film Festival for Children and Youth (FIFEJ), held from 8 to 12 April 2025 in Sousse, Tunisia.

ICESCO was represented at the event by Zineb Bougrine, Expert at the Culture Sector, in Charge of Youth Projects and Cultural Industries, and Manuela Nicoletti, Specialist in Cultural Diplomacy and the Film Industry at the same Sector. The two ICESCO representatives took part as speakers in a seminar held at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts of Sousse (ISBAS) on the theme of youth cinema and cultural creativity, where they held discussions with visual arts students, young filmmakers, local journalists, and civil society representatives on the prospects for developing cultural diplomacy in the Organization’s Member States and the need to strengthen international cooperation in this context.

As part of the Festival’s activities, Ms. Nicoletti also represented the Organization as a jury member in the Student Film Competition, which showcased 15 short films made by young filmmakers under the age of 30, from several countries.

This participation reflects ICESCO’s keenness to work closely with partners to develop cultural industries in the Islamic world, and its efforts to strengthen its cooperation relations with FIFEJ Sousse and the Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in view of building a regional network for creativity, artistic expression and cultural diplomacy targeting young people.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the international festival showcased 60 films from 35 countries, reflecting the diversity of youth-oriented cinema in terms of themes and cultures, with 22 ICESCO Member States participating in the festival’s various activities.