FIBDA

“FROM MANGA TO GRAPHIC NOVEL” CONFERENCE

Japanese author, illustrator and manga artist Chie Kutsuwada, who is based in the United Kingdom, gave a conference entitled “From Manga to Graphic Novel” on Friday, October 2, as part of the official programme of the 18th FIBDA. During the session, she looked back on her career, her influences and her approach to artistic creation, while sharing a simple message with the audience: curiosity, perseverance and the right to make mistakes are essential to moving forward.

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The Lasting Mark of a Master of Line

The second day of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) was marked on Friday, October 2, by a tribute conference dedicated to Tayeb Arab, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 78. Hosted by Lazhari Labter, the event retraced the career of a cartoonist, caricaturist and painter who left his mark on the Algerian press, notably through the nearly 7,000 drawings he produced for the daily newspaper La République d'Oran. The tribute was attended by his sister, Fatiha Arab, who came from Paris to represent the family.

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From Comics to an Audiovisual Experience

“Dubbed Animated Comics: An Educational Tool for Learning Tamazight. The Case of Nada Dagdoug’s Yeza” was the title of a session held on Friday, October 2, as part of the programme of the 18th edition of FIBDA. During the conference, moderated by Jaoudet Gassouma, Tunisian comic artist Nada Dagdoug and Algerian multidisciplinary artist Omar Sahli presented an original project centred on comics and the learning of Tamazight. The project was born from the meeting of the two creators at FIBDA and seeks to explore the possibilities offered by comics as an educational tool, with digital and audio adaptations.

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AMIN ZAOUI’S CONFERENCE ON THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Writer and university professor Amin Zaoui gave a conference on Friday, October 2, entitled “A Bridge Between the Novel and the Graphic Novel,” moderated by writer, poet and journalist Lazhari Labter.

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AT THE INVITATION OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND ARTS

In a gesture that was both supportive, cultural and deeply human, the International Festival of Comics of Algiers (FIBDA) gave special attention to children from the provinces of Jijel, Béjaïa and Tizi Ouzou, whose regions were affected by the recent wildfires. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, is part of its efforts to support children and offer them a moment of escape, discovery and sharing, away from the sadness and painful memories left by the fires.

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Behind the Scenes of Animation with Bouchra Mokhtari

From comics to animation, Bouchra Mokhtari is pursuing the same goal: telling stories in a different way. Invited to the FIBDA for a session dedicated to the transition from paper to moving images, the artist looked back on the creation of her comic book Zozo, her journey in the world of comics, and the reasons that led her to explore both 2D and 3D animation.

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MASTER MANGAKA NATSUME YOSHINORI LOOKS BACK ON HIS CAREER

As part of the conference programme of the 18th edition of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), Japanese mangaka Natsume Yoshinori spoke on Sunday, October 4, about the major stages of a career that has taken him from manga to video games, from Japan to the United States, and from paper pages to digital worlds.

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More Than a Century of History in Panels

Congolese comics were at the heart of a discussion held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as part of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA). Invited to speak about graphic novels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, author Jérémie Nsingi spoke about his career, the difficulties facing a market marked by the gradual disappearance of publishers and bookstores, as well as the solutions developed by a new generation of comic-book artists to keep producing and reaching audiences.

THE EUNIC NETWORK IN ALGERIA AT FIBDA Building Bridges Between European and Algerian Creators

The EUNIC network (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is taking part in this year’s Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) with a stand and a programme of activities bringing together European authors, illustrators and cultural professionals. The participation is part of a cultural cooperation initiative that has been underway for several years and has gained fresh momentum since the launch, in January 2026, of the “Focus on EUNIC in Algeria” project.

Tribute to Mahfoud Aïder at FIBDA

The tribute paid to Mahfoud Aïder at FIBDA on Saturday, October 3, 2026, was far from a formal, solemn ceremony. Around his drawings, characters and newspapers, those who knew him spoke above all of the man behind the artist: a companion, a tireless worker and a passionate lover of comics, caricature, cinema, music and stories. From M'quidech to El Manchar, several generations of cartoonists and journalists paid tribute to the man who was part of some of the major chapters in the history of Algerian comics.

Telling Algeria in a Different Way

The first conference of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), held on Friday, October 2, placed memory, identity and graphic creation at the heart of the discussions. Comic artist Kamel Bentaha, known by his artistic name Kam's, presented Tifghal as a way of telling the story of Algerian culture by drawing on memory without becoming confined by it.

Nine contestants take the stage for the first selection

The FIBDA took on the atmosphere of a real live show on Saturday, October 3, with the first selection round of the Cosplay Competition. Highly anticipated by festival regulars, the event drew a large and particularly enthusiastic crowd. With each appearance, the audience did not hesitate to react, applaud and interact with the contestants, giving this first day of competition a festive and friendly atmosphere.

SLIM AT FIBDA FOR A BOOK SIGNING

There was something more than just a book-signing session around Slim’s table on Saturday, October 3. By coming to sign his two latest albums, Le coup d’éventail and Bad News, the cartoonist was above all returning to a familiar place, a familiar audience and familiar faces.

Benyoucef Abbas Kebir on the Trail of Takfarinas

From Josef Lada to the New Generation, Marek Rubec Tells the Story of Czech Comics

Czech comics have more than a century of stories to tell. From popular characters to darker worlds, from children’s stories to graphic novels, they have evolved over the decades, embracing a wide range of styles and influences. On Saturday, October 3, Czech author and illustrator Marek Rubec offered, as part of the FIBDA conference programme, a journey through this rich history, which he divided into four major periods: from 1900 to 1950, from 1950 to 1989, from 1990 to 2000, and a contemporary period that is much harder to confine to a single trend.

Benyoucef Abbas Kebir on the Trail of Takfarinas

The figure of Takfarinas, the Numidian hero who led the resistance against Rome, was at the heart of a meeting held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as part of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA). Comic book artist Benyoucef Abbas Kebir presented his latest album dedicated to this historical figure, discussing the origins of a project he had been working on for several years, his documentary research and the challenges involved in adapting the story into a comic book.

Bendouda Behind the Scenes of the Ninth Art

Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda officially kicked off the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Riadh El Feth Office in Algiers. She then embarked on a tour of the festival, meeting artists and discovering the various spaces of the 18th edition. Throughout the visit, she was accompanied by FIBDA Commissioner Salim Brahimi.

Malika Bendouda: “FIBDA has become a reference in its field”

Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda highlighted, at the opening of the 18th edition of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), the prominent position the event has now established within Algeria’s cultural landscape and internationally. Describing it as a “renewed pleasure” to attend the festival’s opening, she said FIBDA is “one of the most important festivals in Algeria.”

Honouring Pioneers and Supporting the Next Generation

The official opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Arts and under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda, took place on Thursday, October 1, at the Riadh El Feth Esplanade. Running until October 5, this year’s festival is dedicated to the graphic novel and is held under the theme “The Graphic Novel: A Crossroads Between Image and Word.”

FIBDA 2026: Graphic Novels Take Centre Stage at the 18th Edition

The 18th edition of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture and Arts and under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda, will be held from October 1 to 5 at the Riadh El Feth Esplanade, under the theme “The Graphic Novel: A Crossroads of Image and Word.” In this regard, FIBDA Commissioner Salim Brahimi presented the main features of this year’s edition on Monday, September 28, during a press conference held at the Frantz-Fanon Hall of the Riadh El Feth Office (OREF). The event was attended by several representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria, numerous media representatives and event partners.

Minister of Culture Opens FIBDA 2025

Algiers, minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda inaugurated the 17th edition of the International Festival of Comics ...

Kick-off of the 17th FIBDA

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,

Algiers International Comics Festival

The Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) marked its 2025 edition with an awards ceremony on October 1, showcasing the vibrant creativity of young Algerian artists alongside the expertise of established professionals. The competition featured three main categories: under 16, over 16, and the international contest for professional authors.

Benyoucef Abbas Kebir and His Anglophone Comic Book Journey

Algerian comic book artist Benyoucef Abbas Kebir took the stage at the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with a conference titled «English in Algerian Comics». The talk shed light on his pioneering efforts in introducing English into the Algerian comic scene, beginning with the 1994 release of «Moussa and Farid in London».

ROUNDTABLE ON PUBLISHING IN EGYPT

The world of publishing in Egypt took center stage during a roundtable discussion held on Thursday, October 2, as part of the conference program of the 17th Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA). Egypt, the guest of honor of this edition, was represented by a panel of prominent creators, including Andrew Henry, Sarah Loid, Rasha Abul Ma’ati, and Khaled Abdelaziz. The discussion offered a deep look into the realities, challenges, and ambitions shaping the Egyptian comics scene.

PEDRO ROJO PEREZ UNVEILS « COMIC PALESTINO »

Spanish comics expert Pedro Rojo Perez took the stage at the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) on Thursday, October 2, to present the exhibition « Comic Palestino », which he co-curated with renowned Palestinian artist Mohammad Sabaaneh. The project was launched by Rojo Perez’s foundation, Al Fanar, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural ties between the Arab world and Spain.

Amazigh Comics in Braille

The innovative concept of Amazigh comics in Braille took center stage at a conference held on October 3, 2025, during the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA). The event highlighted a pioneering project designed to make comics accessible to visually impaired audiences through embossed panels and sound adaptations.

Comic Book Scriptwriting: A Profession Still on the Margins

The often-overlooked role of comic book scriptwriters took center stage on 3 October 2025 during a panel held at the Algiers International Comic Festival (FIBDA). Speakers Ahmed Haroun, Mahfoud Aider, Slimane Zeghidour and Boukhalfa Amazit shed light on the structural weaknesses of a cultural ecosystem where scriptwriters still struggle to gain recognition as creators in their own right.

Comics for Children: A Gateway to Reading

Comics can be more than just entertainment, they can open the door to a lifelong love of reading. This idea was at the heart of a conference titled Comics for Children, held on October 3, 2025, as part of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), which runs until October 5 at the Riadh El Feth esplanade.

Immersion in Mexican Comics: Paulina Rubio’s Festive Universe

Mexican comics took the spotlight at the 17th Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), where artist and speaker Paulina Rubio shared her creative journey on October 3, 2025. During her talk, she explored the processes of creation, translation, and distribution, while celebrating the vibrant and festive spirit that characterizes Mexican comic art and its growing international appeal

Kiyomi Koizumi Brings Algerian Comics to Japan

Japanese mangaka Kiyomi Koizumi captivated audiences at the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) on 3 October 2025 with a talk titled « The Renaissance of FIBDA in Japan and the Interest in the Animation Industry in the Middle East ». Blending her love of manga, mythology and cricket, Koizumi shared her personal journey and the special connection she has forged with Algerian comics, which she is now striving to promote in Japan.

Monthe Youmbi: «Cameroonian Comics Are Experiencing Their Second Revolution»

At the 17th Algiers International Comics Festival (Fibda), held on October 4, 2025, Cameroonian author and cartoonist Monthe Youmbi took the stage to explore the evolution of comics in his country, a ninth art still relatively unknown to the wider public. His conference, titled Cameroonian Comics, retraced the milestones of a scene that has undergone significant transformations over the decades.

Amazigh-language Comics, a Powerful Tool for Cultural Transmission

The 17th Algiers International Comic Festival (Fibda) hosted, on October 4, 2025, an unprecedented conference dedicated to the theme « Comics in the Amazigh Language ». The session was led by Kamel Bentaha, comic artist and author, and one of the most promising figures on the Algerian comic scene.

Top Algerian Cosplayers in the Spotlight

The cosplay competition marked the grand finale of the 17ᵗʰ edition of the Algiers International Comic Festival (FIBDA) on October 5, 2025, shining a light on some of the country’s most talented performers and costume designers.

Four Algerian Artists Honored by Japanese Embassy

As part of its 17ᵗʰ edition, FIBDA hosted a special manga contest in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy, honoring four young Algerian artists passionate about the genre. The award ceremony, held on October 5, 2025, celebrated their originality and storytelling talent.

Manga Workshops: Japan Inspires at FIBDA

At the 17ᵗʰ Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), Japan’s pavilion was among the most popular attractions, drawing large crowds throughout the event. Blending competitions, drawing workshops, and cultural exchanges, the Japanese stand offered a vibrant space for inspiration and creativity, particularly for manga enthusiasts.

Palestinian Comics Take Center Stage at FIBDA

At the 17ᵗʰ Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), one exhibition in particular is drawing both attention and emotion. Titled « Palestinian Comics: Individual Voices, Collective Cry », the display on the Riadh El Feth esplanade brings together the works of ten Palestinian comic artists who transform their art into a powerful act of resistance.

Artificial Intelligence Raises Concerns Among Artists, Says FIBDA Commissioner

As the 17ᵗʰ Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) wraps up, organizers are hailing an exceptional edition marked by record attendance, vibrant exchanges, and critical debates on the future of the ninth art.

Workshops on the 9th Art and 3D Creation

The 17ᵗʰ edition of the Algiers International Comic Festival (FIBDA) came to a close on October 5, 2025, with an award ceremony celebrating the creativity and talent of young participants. Children, teenagers, and students from the Higher School of Fine Arts of Algiers (ESBA) were among those honored for their outstanding contributions to the festival’s artistic workshops.

Closing of the 17th FIBDA: A Celebration of Young Talent and Creativity

The curtain fell on the 17th Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) on Sunday, October 5, with a festive closing ceremony held on the esplanade of Riadh El Feth. Dedicated this year to « The Children’s Edition », the event highlighted the creativity and energy of young artists through competitions, workshops, and performances.

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