The call for projects to support the development of co-productions of Tunisian-Italian cinematographic works, launched jointly by the National Centre for Cinema and the Image (CNCI Tunisia) and the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual at the Italian Ministry of Culture, is open until January 15, 2024. The agreement, signed in Cannes on May 11, 2018 between the CNCI and the Italian Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual, established a bilateral development aid fund to promote Tunisian-Italian artistic co-productions of feature-length cinematographic works. The Fund is intended to provide non-repayable grants for the co-development of film projects falling within the scope of the Tunisian-Italian film co-production agreement signed between Italy and Tunisia on October 29, 1988. The grant is reserved for cinematographic projects of any genre (fiction, animation, documentary) intended for first release in cinemas and lasting more than 52 minutes. The aid is granted in the form of subsidies. The Fund has an annual budget of pound 280,000 (pound 180,000 from the Italian side and 300,000 dinars from the Tunisian side). Grants will be awarded on the advice of a committee of Tunisian and Italian professionals, based in particular on the technical and artistic quality of the project and its potential for international distribution. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse Addis Ababa: Ministry of Tourism announced today that Ethiopia has finalized preparations to warmly welcome second-generation Ethiopians invited by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to come to their homeland. Recall that PM Abiy called on second-generation Ethiopians to reconnect with their ancestral root and contribute to the nation's vibrant growth this weekend. Following the call, Ministry of Tourism has established a committee that welcomes the second-generation. Briefing the media, Tourism Minister Nasise Challi said the call by the premier is crucial to mend the gap between generations of Ethiopians and collectively contribute to their country of origin. Generations may come and go, but our beloved Ethiopia remains an everlasting beacon. So it is our duty to pass the baton, not just to those within the borders, but also to our kin scattered across the globe, she noted. The call has taken into consideration seasonal breaks and holidays to create favorable conditions and encourage the second generation Ethio pians to come to their homeland. To realize the premier's call, the ministry has formed a grand committee and divided the Second Generation Ethiopians Homecoming into three phases with a series of different events scheduled to be overseen by sub-committees. Each phase promises a unique tapestry of events designed to foster meaningful connections and celebrate shared heritage, Nasise elaborated. Accordingly, the first phase dubbed 'Connect to Your Multi-Cultural Roots' will last from December 30, 2023 to January 29, 2024 with various events, including Ethiopia Week, Ethiopian Voices, visits, conferences and public lectures. The second phase designated 'Connect to Your Historical Origin' will last from February 28, 2024 up to April 8, 2024 and will include events related to the Victory of Adwa. The third phase, 'Leave Your Legacy and Save Your Holiday', will last from June 17, 2024 to September 30, 2024 and will include volunteer legacy events. 'To make this successful, there are different committees that are established. The main committee is led by Ministry of Tourism,' she pointed out, adding that different institutions from federal, regional, and city administrations are part of the main committee. According to the minister, there are also sub-committees that would help to make the second generation stay memorable and successful. Nasise stated that this initiative marks a pivotal step in bridging the generational gap and fostering a collective spirit of growth in keeping with the country's unwavering commitment to welcoming its global diaspora. Source: Ethiopian News Agency