Cinema Affairs Observed in Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Afghanistan

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CAJ-Magazine-Sindh Courier
CAJ-Magazine

CAJ International Magazine, February Edition showcases an inspiring tapestry of stories

Abuja- Nigeria

As the world pivots toward a future shaped by innovation, resilience, and the arts, the February edition of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) International Magazine showcases an inspiring tapestry of stories, each offering profound insights into humanity’s enduring quest for progress and meaning. This edition traverses continents, cultures, and disciplines, unearthing narratives that resonate with a shared vision for a better tomorrow.

Zliten: The Forgotten Journey to Libya, the cover story, by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid is a vivid narrative of the author’s adventurous journey to Libya in 1991, undertaken to facilitate travel to Saudi Arabia amidst bureaucratic hurdles in Egypt. The article captures the intricate details of his overland route, traversing desert landscapes and historical towns, eventually leading to the coastal city of Zliten. Rich in cultural and historical reflections, the piece delves into Zliten’s blend of tradition and modernity, its academic and spiritual landmarks, and its diverse community life. Through personal anecdotes, the author intertwines his own experiences with Libya’s colonial past and its enduring cultural identity.

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Arze, Lebanese film poster

Ahmed Tantawi’s article, Africa Also Can Do It, serves as a beacon of hope for the continent. The story of Mustafa Diia Al-Haq, a young Ghanaian innovator, is a testament to Africa’s untapped potential. Through his ingenious AI-powered application, which has revolutionized agriculture in Ghana and its neighboring countries, Mustafa embodies the spirit of African ingenuity. His work is a compelling reminder that Africa is not just a continent rich in resources but also brimming with minds capable of transforming challenges into opportunities. Such success stories must be celebrated and amplified to inspire the next generation of African trailblazers.

The Egyptian artist Abdelrazek Okasha is presenting a new art exhibition titled “Paris from the Heart of Cairo” at the Mahmoud Mukhtar Cultural Center in Cairo, which  offers a unique visual experience that explores the interplay between Egyptian and French cultures. Through dynamic works that combine vibrant colors and abstract forms, Okasha evokes a dialogue between identity, heritage, and modernity, emphasizing the shared humanity underlying artistic expression.

Nuha Swaid’s interview with the illustrious Essam Zakaria, Cinema Critic Essam Zakaria: A Journey of Beauty and Thought, delves into the transformative power of cinema. Zakaria’s approach to film criticism, blending aesthetics with philosophical inquiry, challenges us to view cinema not merely as entertainment but as a profound medium for exploring human struggles and societal contradictions. His insights encourage readers to reimagine the role of art in fostering cultural dialogue and understanding.

CAJ-Magazine-Sindh Courier-3In Promising Days of Carthage Film Festival, Khaled Soliman captures the enduring significance of the Journées Cinématographiques de Carthage. By intertwining the festival’s highlights with the symbolism of the Lebanese cedar, Soliman celebrates the resilience and interconnectivity of cultures. This narrative serves as a metaphor for cinema’s ability to bridge divides and foster unity through storytelling.

Fatima Al Zahraa Hassan’s When the Seventh Art Triumphed Over the Taliban in Afghanistan is a harrowing yet uplifting tale of courage. It chronicles the Afghan Film Organization’s defiance in preserving the nation’s cinematic heritage against the Taliban’s oppressive regime. This story is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing how art becomes a sanctuary and a weapon against tyranny.

Robert Nestrooy Kayongo Journalist, career Diplomat and policy analyst asks if Kenya Relinquishing its Status As a Regional Sanctuary:

“Kenya has historically served as a safe haven for politicians fleeing persecution in neighboring states and beyond. During President Idi Amin’s regime in Uganda, political dissidents sought refuge in Kenya. However, in the 1980s, under President Moi’s rule, Ugandans escaping persecution by President Apollo Milton Obote met a tragic fate on the streets of Nairobi. “

Eugene Dube follows the story from Eswatini on the death of Times of eSwatini newspaper sub editor Sibongiseni Ngcamphalala who has been found dead in his car has raised eyebrows. It is alleged that he died painfully after ingesting a poisonous chemical known as master 900. Some alleged that he clashed with his alleged girlfriend Gcinile Shongwe before killing himself. Efforts to reach Martin Vusumuzi Dlamini, the Managing editor at the Times of eSwatini newspaper hit a snag yesterday.

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Artwork by Okasha

Donald Tlaka from Johannesburg writes on the last few years which haven’t been easy for South Africa with persistent load shedding which resulted in disinvestment and ultimately high unemployment particularly among young people. With load shedding gone and the GNU largely welcomed by private sector, South Africa is likely to continue facing both complex challenges and potential opportunities, as it works to address persistent issues and capitalize on reforms.

Mutayoba Arbogast, Tanzania reviews how world leaders and scientific institutions across the globe were discussing biodiversity crisis at Conference of parties (COP16) and climate change at COP29, in Columbia last year, somewhere in Africa, in a village called Bukwali, Kashenye ward in Missenyi district, Northwest Tanzania, may be the attendant to Julieth Flowers Botanical Garden (JFBG), didn’t know about the conference and how they relate.

Dela Ahiawor ,  Ghana, express the joy of a wide majority of Ghanaian women who couldn’t be more ecstatic when Prof. Jane Naana Opoku- Agyemang was sworn in as the first female vice president of Ghana, alongside President, John Dramani Mahama on January 7 in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, after the December 2024 polls.

This edition of CAJ International Magazine invites readers to celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and creativity of individuals and communities worldwide. From Africa’s innovators to the guardians of cultural heritage, these stories illuminate paths toward a future where art, history, and innovation converge to shape a brighter, more inclusive world.

Read: CAJ International Magazine: A Call for a New World

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