DZFEST 2025 PROGRAMME

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  SUN 14 SEPT 2025 11AM

KHAMSA Restaurant, Brixton London

Step into the timeless tradition of Couscous. 

A hands-on workshop exploring the rich history, cultural significance, and traditional techniques behind Algeria’s most iconic dish.

 
Ever wondered how to make perfectly fluffy couscous? Guided by award-winning Chef Djamel Ait Idir, owner of the renowned Algerian restaurant Khamsa and recently featured in Ainsley Harriott's cooking show "Ainsley's Fantastic Flavours"

✨ What’s Included:

· The fascinating history & cultural roots of couscous

· Demonstration of all the traditional tools in rolling couscous.

· A deep dive into authentic techniques passed down through generations

·  Tips on healthy cooking methods for modern kitchens

·  Refreshing Algerian mint tea & homemade Algerian lemonade “Charbet”

· A shared meal of the legendary Saharan couscous dish: “MFAWRA” (also known as Habbat).

**Limited spots

WED 17 SEPT 2025 8PM

Rich Mix Cinema - Screen 1 E1 6LA 

Documentary screening with Q&A 

The Desert Rocker is an intimate, spiritual and profound portrait of the extraordinary Hasna El Becharia, pioneer Gnawa artist. 

The first female musician to break through the social barriers of this culture, she empowers and inspires women of all ages by reclaiming a musical tradition reserved for men for centuries. A singularly talented artist, she leads women to redefine their roles and challenge cultural norms, one musical performance at a time.

This screening and Festival edition are an homage to Hasna as is this documentary 

Sara Nacer is an award-winning Algerian

documentary filmmaker based in Montreal, known for her films Let them all go (2019) and The desert rocker (2022).

THURS 18 SEPT 2025  8PM

Broadway Cinema,

 Nottingham NG1 3AL 

Documentary screening with Q&A 

The Desert Rocker is an intimate, spiritual and profound portrait of the extraordinary Hasna El Becharia, pioneer Gnawa artist. 

The first female musician to break through the social barriers of this culture, she empowers and inspires women of all ages by reclaiming a musical tradition reserved for men for centuries. A singularly talented artist, she leads women to redefine their roles and challenge cultural norms, one musical performance at a time.

This screening and Festival edition are an homage to Hasna as is this documentary 

Sara Nacer is an award-winning Algerian

documentary filmmaker based in Montreal, known for her films Let them all go (2019) and The desert rocker (2022).

In collaboration with Broadway Cinema

Also in collaboration with CommuniTree

 FRI 19 SEPT 2025  7PM

 St Ethelburga's - The Nave  EC2N 4AG 

An evening with Prize-Winning author Fayssal BENSSALAH  

A literary discussion on the rise of the North African novel in English, exploring themes such as its historical exclusion from broader African literature, the unique challenges faced by Algerian AND North African authors writing in English within the Anglophone literary world, and related topics. 

Benssalah will also delight us with readings from his published work.

An especially timely topic given the growing introduction and promotion of English in Algerian education.

Followed by a networking session with Mint tea and Algerian sweets

 A great evening of debate and questions in a magical venue in the heart of the City of London

Also in conversation with our favourite speaker and moderator Hicham YEZZA 

SAT 20 SEPT 2025  1PM 

City of London - EC2

 A panel discussion dedicated to exploring the vast potential of the Sahara Desert through innovative and sustainable strategies.

This event will gather a panel of experts, professionals, and thought leaders to discuss the future of the region in terms of economic models, ecological preservation, infrastructure development and cultural heritage.

From pioneering tourism models to sustainable agriculture, and from technological innovation to the transformative power of artificial intelligence, the discussions will spark new ideas and partnerships for a resilient and prosperous Sahara.

The day will conclude with an informal networking session, a chance to connect with like-minded innovators, professionals, and artists over traditional sweets and refreshments inspired by Saharan culture.

A DzFest event - In collaboration with the TIDE centre of Oxford University & 

PACT Network

 THURS 25 SEPT 2025  8PM 

Rich Mix - The Stage E1 6LA 

Ever been to a country where they have a condiment named after your people?

Join Mehdi WALKER for a stand up comedy show about the joys of dealing with corporate culture, marriage, being a North African, marriage & history and much more!

Mehdi Walker, if that's his real name (it's not), is an Algerian comic based in Paris. 

Ever since he started doing stand-up in 2019, Mehdi has opened for acts like Carmen Lynch (Fallon, Colbert) and has performed all over Europe & North America. 

Since early 2024, he has been touring his debut comedy hour "Algerian Sauce" in various cities in France and all over Europe Incl. Barcelona Fringe Festival). 

  Feat. Thomas Henry 

Selected for the New York Comedy Festival, and featured in the Guardian and on the BBC, Thomas entertains crowds in New York, Paris and London with his witty observations and charming delivery. 

“One of my favourite new acts.” Kim Donat, Stand Up New York 

  SAT 27 SEPT 2025 12.00PM

RICH MIX - THE STAGE  E1 6LA 

Unleash your Public Speaking genius 

Public speaking is not a talent — it’s a skill, one that can be learned, practiced, and mastered. 

Join us for a dynamic session designed to unlock your confidence and refine your voice.

This workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to develop the art of public speaking — whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your performance to the next level.

Discover the speaker within you — and learn how to speak so people want to listen.

Led by Sabrina Hasni, a passionate speaker and advocate for empowering others through communication and personal growth. 

An active member of Toastmasters International and a coach with the McGuire Programme, where she supports individuals in overcoming stammering and building confidence. Alongside her coaching work, Sabrina is a professional consultant in the renewable energy sector, where she contributes to sustainable solutions for a greener future.

SAT 27 SEPT 2025  2PM 

RICH MIX - THE STAGE  E1 6LA 

  Andalusi classical music is a timeless art form born in medieval Al-Andalus (southern Spain) and preserved for centuries across North Africa, especially in Algeria, where it lives on as our classical tradition.

In this unique singing workshop, you’ll explore the musical modes, vocal techniques, and poetic elegance that define this tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or simply curious, this is your chance to connect with the soul of a music that transcends borders and centuries.

You will learn the vocal techniques used in Arabo-Andalusian singing , different modes and a little history of the Nouba, alongside a song or two!

Singing workshop led by Oud & music virtuoso Yaz Fentazi &

 Mezzo soprano Rachida LAMRI

Please note: No Arabic knowledge required — just bring your voice and your curiosity.