DZFEST 2025 PROGRAMME

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

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.

Hasna El-Bacharia passed away on 1 May 2024, at the age of 74. 

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

Sara Nacer is a Canadian-Algerian emerging filmmaker based in Montreal. Recognised in Montreal for her contribution to the promotion of cultural diversity.

THURS 18 SEPT 2025  6PM

Broadway Cinema - Nottingham 

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.

Hasna El-Bacharia passed away on 1 May 2024, at the age of 74. 

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

Sara Nacer is a Canadian-Algerian emerging filmmaker based in Montreal. Recognised in Montreal for her contribution to the promotion of cultural diversity.

In collaboration with Broadway Cinema

Also in collaboration with CommuniTree

FRI 19 SEPT 2025  7.30PM

 St Ethelburga's - The Nave

A literary 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 prize-winning work.

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

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

SAT 20 SEPT 2025  12PM

Central London 

A CONFERENCE dedicated to exploring the vast potential of Saharan tourism in Algeria.

This event will bring together experts, professionals, and cultural voices to discuss sustainable development across four key pillars: economic growth, ecological preservation, infrastructure advancement, and cultural heritage. From innovative tourism models to the protection of unique desert ecosystems and traditions, we aim to spark meaningful dialogue around the potential and future of the Algerian Sahara.

Followed by a warm and informal networking session, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, professionals, and artists — all over Algerian sweets and traditional refreshments.

Join us as we rediscover the Great South and reimagine its role in Algeria’s future.

In collaboration with PACT – The Professional Algerian Connections & Talent Network in the UK

THUR 25 SEPT 2025 7.30PM

Rich Mix Cinema - The Stage

  What’s it like to be North African in Europe? For starters, there's a sauce named after us.

Paris-based comic Mehdi Walker brings his debut stand-up hour "Algerian Sauce" to the UK — a witty, irreverent take on corporate nonsense, married life, cultural identity, and the weird ways history shows up in everyday life. Since hitting the stage in 2019, Mehdi has opened for international acts like Carmen Lynch (Fallon, Colbert) and performed across Europe and North America. Now he's serving up laughs from Berlin to Barcelona, and next stop: DzFest.

Also featuring Thomas Henry — sharp, charming, and selected for the New York Comedy Festival. With features in The Guardian and on the BBC, Thomas is a crowd favourite from Paris to London to NYC.

Get ready for a night that’s bold, funny, and just the right amount of spicy.

“One of my favourite new acts.” Kim Donat, Stand Up New York “A talented comedian.” The Wee Review “Full of boyish charm.” Chortle

 SAT 27 SEPT 2025 12.00PM

RICH MIX - The Stage 

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. Hasni is 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

 35-47 Bethnal Grn Rd, London 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.