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.”

Creating New Opportunities for Algerian Artists

In his welcoming address, FIBDA Commissioner Salim Brahimi welcomed the guests and the various participating delegations, which this year came from 12 countries, in addition to Algeria. He also thanked the institutional and private partners, as well as the sponsors who contributed to the organisation of this new edition.

On this occasion, Mr. Brahimi expressed “his thanks and gratitude” to the Minister of Culture and Arts for “her continued and unwavering support for the ninth art in Algeria, as well as her constant commitment to supporting Algerian creators in promoting our cherished culture, particularly the culture of comics.”

The festival commissioner also highlighted the choice of the graphic novel as the central theme of this edition, describing it as a “creative bridge between the traditional novel and illustrated storytelling, a space where words meet images and where narratives interact with the visual arts.”

He also recalled that this edition “has seen the launch of numerous meetings, initiatives and experiences in this direction, as we are convinced of the importance of developing this art form and opening up new opportunities for Algerian creators.”

Mr. Brahimi also paid tribute in his address to the late Mahfoud Aider, who passed away recently, and a minute of silence was observed in his memory.

The speaker also paid tribute to “all Algerian artists and creators who continue, with passion and determination, to promote the ninth art and give it the place it deserves on the national cultural scene.”

Addressing professionals and enthusiasts of the ninth art, he added: “To every cartoonist, author, creator and comics enthusiast, thank you.”

Tribute to a Pioneer and a Leading Writer

Two prominent figures in the ninth art and Algerian culture were also honoured during the ceremony. The Minister of Culture and Arts honoured poet, writer and journalist Lazhari Labter, considered one of Algeria’s leading specialists in comics. He has devoted numerous books, a dictionary and several monographs to the art form.

A tribute was also paid to the late Tayeb Arab (1947–2025), one of the pioneers of caricature and comics in Algeria. A press cartoonist, notably for the daily newspaper La République until 1978, Tayeb Arab was also a painter.

His sister, Fatiha, received the tribute on behalf of the family, while his wife, who was absent from the ceremony, sent a video message that was broadcast on the occasion.

In her message, Mrs. Arab paid tribute to her late husband, recalling his career, his passion for drawing and his attachment to Algeria. She notably recalled that, in 2007, as part of the “Algiers, Capital of Arab Culture” event, a retrospective of his work was organised at the Moufdi-Zakaria Palace of Culture in Algiers, while a 200-page catalogue was published by the Ministry of Culture.

The late cartoonist’s wife called for the catalogue to be republished and widely distributed “so that his work may be accessible to everyone.”

She also announced that she and Tayeb Arab’s sisters, Cherifa and Fatiha, “have decided that all of his work, documents and photographs should be preserved and kept at the Ahmed Zabana Museum in Oran, his hometown.”

“His work is part of your heritage and belongs to you. This was Tayeb’s wish,” she said.

Competition Winners Honoured

The final part of the ceremony was marked by the announcement of the winners of the various competitions organised as part of the 18th edition of FIBDA.

Chaired by Egyptian artist Mohamed El Seht, the jury was composed of Zoubeida Mameria, Ahmed Haroun and Samir Toudji, with Mahfoud Aider participating in an honorary capacity. He had begun working with the jury before his passing.

In the international competition, the first prize was awarded to Emilien Cousin (France) for his album Abyss. The second prize went to Mezensi Nipanko (Cameroon) for Mirage, while the third prize was awarded to Ahmed Touj (Tunisia) for his album Rose Blanche.

The Best Project competition, open to artists aged over 16, also recognised three participants. The first prize was won by Slimane Ouchen from Blida for Lalla Fatma Nsoumer. The second prize went to Mekali S. Imène from Oran for Ultma, while Bouniche Melissa from Algiers won the third prize for Beyond Tide.

In the children’s category, two prizes were awarded, as the third prize was not given. The first prize went to Saci Anya from Algiers for Judocat, while the second prize was awarded to Ryad Boutmeur, also from Algiers, for Les Clothemen.