Held under the slogan “Children’s Edition”, the 17th Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) opened on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Riadh El Feth esplanade, in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda. Bringing together creators from 17 countries, the festival offers five days of exhibitions, competitions, performances, and meetings, with a particular focus on young audiences.

From the very start, festival commissioner Salim Brahimi expressed his gratitude to all partners and paid tribute to the Ministry of Culture and Minister Bendouda: “Thank you to the Minister for her constant support of the ninth art and artists of all ages and backgrounds.” He also thanked all individuals and institutions who, directly or indirectly, contributed to the success of this festival. The opening ceremony began with a five-minute folkloric performance by the Layalli troupe, immersing the audience in Algeria’s musical and choreographic heritage.

Tributes to creators

Videos were shown to introduce the guests of this 17th edition, followed by a special segment entitled “Comic Palestino”, highlighting the works of Palestinian comic artists, and a tribute to Pedro Rojo Perez, the designer of the exhibition. American researcher and university professor Alexandra Gayden Turk, who specializes in the history and promotion of Maghreb comics, was also honored. A tribute was paid to two youth comic artists, Hanane Benmedioni and Nadjet Belabbes, for their magazine Ghomaida, aimed at children aged 6 to 12, as well as to Amazit Boukhalfa, journalist, historian, and comic scriptwriter for the Mqidhech team. The Minister of Culture toured the different stands, meeting authors and publishers, and listening to their concerns, stressing the importance of supporting both national and international creation.

An edition dedicated to youth and Palestine

This 2025 edition, held under the theme of childhood, emphasizes reading and cultural initiation through comics. Special workshops for children have been set up, while the festival remains open to all audiences, encouraging family and youth access to the ninth art. The FIBDA also features a space dedicated to the Palestinian cause, with works from Gaza and other parts of the world, giving comics a role as both a medium of memory and resistance.