• Organizers opened submissions for the sixth Annaba Mediterranean Film Festival from Jan. 8 to Feb. 28, 2026.
• The festival accepts feature films, short films, and documentaries from Mediterranean countries and beyond via FilmFreeway.
• Algerian authorities increasingly view film festivals as economic drivers for tourism, hospitality, and local services.

Festival organizers announced the opening of submissions for the sixth edition of the Annaba Mediterranean Film Festival in a statement published on Sunday, Jan. 4. From Jan. 8 to Feb. 28, 2026, cinema professionals can submit their works through the FilmFreeway digital platform for potential inclusion in the festival program.

The call targets feature-length and short fiction films, as well as documentaries, produced in Mediterranean countries and beyond. This scope expands eligibility and encourages a wide range of creative perspectives and formats.

Organizers said the new edition “aims to attract high-quality cinematic productions that match the festival’s artistic identity and reflect the diversity of Mediterranean creative experiences.” The festival also seeks to continue supporting “works that address contemporary human and cultural issues,” thereby reaffirming its editorial orientation beyond pure artistic competition.

The organizers said the use of FilmFreeway aims to ease international participation through a standardized submission process.

A selection committee will review all submitted works and finalize both the official program and the competition lineup for the 2026 edition. Festival management called on “filmmakers, producers, and distributors to submit their works within the set deadlines,” while stressing that the upcoming edition promises strong programming, content, and organization.

The announcement comes as film festivals assume a growing economic role in Algeria. During the 2025 edition, the Annaba Mediterranean Film Festival screened nearly 90 films and hosted international guests, according to organizers.

The event generated increased visitor flows and sustained activity for hotels, restaurants, and local service providers.

Similar dynamics have emerged in Batna through the Imedghassen International Film Festival and in Oran, where more than 60 films competed in November 2025. These developments illustrate the gradual emergence of a national film ecosystem with increasingly tangible cultural and economic spillovers.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum