DZFEST 2026 PROGRAMME

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WED 23 SEPT 2026 6.30PM

Africa Center  

  Join us for the official launch of DzFest 2026. 

This exclusive opening night kicks off with a warm welcome address by founder, followed by a dedicated sponsor and media moment celebrating the partners who make the festival possible. 

Attendees will enjoy a special heritage & Decolonisation preview and of short filmed introduction that unveil this year’s compelling festival theme. 

It is the perfect start to our cultural celebration, bringing together community, history, and art in one unforgettable evening. 

Incl. Refreshments and networking

FRI 25 SEPT 2026 6PM

P21 GALLERY

As the Algerian blousa makes its historic journey toward formal inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, its narrative stretches far beyond mere aesthetic elegance. Originating from regions like Tlemcen & Oran, this iconic garment serves as a living archive of historical evolution, regional pride, and creative resistance. However, as indigenous fashion enters global institutions, critical questions arise regarding cultural ownership, international diplomacy, and preservation.

Join Fashion and design scholar Nada Koreish and cultural researcher and author Iyas Bergriche alongside Designer Karim BOUZIANE for an urgent, in-depth discussion exploring the complex history and decolonisation of North African material culture. 

Together, the panel will dissect how the Blousa survived colonial disruptions, its modern transformation, and what global protection means for the artisans keeping this heritage alive. Discover how fashion operates as a profound tool for sovereignty, cultural reclamation, and the rewriting of overlooked histories.

Including the official launch of the Blousa exhibition 

SAT 26 SEPT 12PM

P21 GALLERY

A multidisciplinary bazaar celebrating Algerian fashion, textiles, garments, design and contemporary craft. Taking place alongside the Decolonising the Blousa exhibition, the event brings together Algerian and North African artists, makers and designers from the UK and beyond.

Rooted in DzFest 2026’s theme of heritage and decolonisation, ArtFest explores how material culture can be reclaimed, reimagined and carried forward beyond colonial or folkloric frames.

More than a market, ArtFest is a living cultural space where heritage is displayed, worn, exchanged and renewed.

• Meet designers and creators! 
• Explore the Blousa Exhibition
• Watch a film
• Network and Meet people 
• Enjoy some Algerian hospitality at the P21 Café 

  SUN 27 SEPT 2026 6PM

  Ciné Lumière 

Join us for this exciting UK premiere screening of  ALGIER, this thriller  set in the city of Algiers

 A mystery thriller film written and directed by Chakib Taleb-Bendiab in his directorial debut.

 An international co-production starring Meriem Medjkane, Nabil Asli and Hichem Mesbah.

 It won the Grand Prix Award at the 28th Rhode Island International Film Festival

 and it was selected as the Algerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards

By hosting this decolonial narrative at the French institute, DzFest intentionally reclaims an institutional space to examine the complex, intertwined history of France and Algeria through a contemporary artistic lens.

Followed by a Q&A with the director Chakib Taleb-BENDIAB & Film writer & critic Linda Marric

FRI 2 OCT 2026 6.30PM

Palestine house,  WC1V 6JJ 

 Explore the history, symbolism, and digital preservation of Oucham [tattoos], the traditional facial markings of indigenous women across North Africa, in this ground-breaking session by researcher Yasmine Boudiaf. 

For generations, these permanent geometric tattoos served as tribal identifiers, protective amulets, and sacred milestones of womanhood. Now on the brink of erasure, this ancient matriarchal practice is being revitalised through a modern lens. 

This session bridges ancestral tradition with modern technology, demonstrating how tools like artificial intelligence (AI) can be used ethically to archive indigenous memory, protect data justice, and combat cultural exploitation.

SUN 4 OCT 2026  2PM 

Not/Nowhere

Curated by  LHARA films for DzFest, this screening brings together a powerful selection of bold, independent shorts from a rising generation of Algerian directors. 

Moving fluidly between intimate personal portraits and sweeping societal commentaries, these films offer an unvarnished look at modern Algerian life, memory, and identity. 

Each filmmaker uses the brief, punchy medium of the short film to challenge traditional cinematic structures, reclaim historical narratives, and push the boundaries of post-colonial visual storytelling.

Films line-up:

 Boualem Heard It All (2025) - 17 min

  Ta Marbouta (2023) - 18 Mins   

  Ta3ezrit (2024) - 34 mins 

Followed by a discussion & networking

  FRI  9 OCT 2026 6.30PM 

Marchmont centre, Kings Cross
 

Master the hypnotic percussion traditions of North Africa in this immersive, hands-on workshop led by expert Algerian percussionist Samir Nacer. 

Discover the history and polyrhythms of the frame drum—known as the bendir  the historical heartbeat of Algerian communal life, celebration, and spiritual devotion. 

Participants of all skill levels will learn to feel and play signature regional time signatures, from the powerful 6/8 grooves of rural Chaoui folklore to syncopated Rai accents and elegant Andalusi phrasing. 

No prior musical experience is required 

SAT 10 OCT 2026 7PM

St James Piccadilly W1J 9LL 

Join the Algerian Music Association of London (AMAL) for an enchanting night celebrating the rich, sweeping heritage of Algerian music.

Directed by mezzo-soprano Rachida Lamri, this diverse ensemble takes the stage in breath-taking traditional attire to perform "Arabo-Andalusi" Nouba & classical masterpieces and nostalgic oldies.

The choir's captivating vocal arrangements will be backed by an exceptional line-up of world-class instrumentalists. Lead by oud virtuoso Yaz Fentazi, celebrated for his high-profile collaborations with global icons Robert Plant and Natacha Atlas.

Secure your seat for a magical evening of culture, rhythm, and pure musical artistry in this beautiful venue in the heart of London.