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Oscar-winning film backdrops
Tunisia has long been a favourite location for international filmmakers. Its breathtaking landscape has provided
a backdrop for major films from the legendary Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark to the more recent The English
Patient, which won nine Oscars at the 1997 Academy Awards.
The success of these films can, for a large part, be attributed to the fabulous scenery Tunisia offers. This,
along with the quality of local production facilities, lures Hollywood producers to the country time and time again.
"Tunisia has become the first location choice in Africa for foreign films, thanks largely to the natural beauty
and splendour of its sites and a spirit of cultural cooperation and cinematographic professionalism," said
International Monastir Film Services head Hedi Turki.
This was illustrated by the phenomenal government cooperation enjoyed by the makers of The English Patient.
A Tunisian team of about 300 trained workers and decorators joined the crew which received full government backing
and the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior (getting equipment past customs in the most
efficient way possible) and the Ministry of Defence (which provided experts on explosives, arms and war planes).
The filming of major motion pictures in Tunisia has also provided great benefits for the local producers and
directors who gain invaluable experience and has stimulated the ever-growing Tunisian film industry. There is a
wealth of local talent in the country including well-known filmmaker Moufida Tlatli, who gained world wide acclaim
with her first feature film Les Silences du Palais.
Carthage is also host to an International Film Festival, held every two years, which showcases African, Arab
and some Western films.
Golfing in Tunisia
Tunisia's majestic 1200km coastline, encapturing breathtaking cliffs at Tabarka and the endless beaches of Djerba,
provides the setting for one of the country's biggest attractions - its golf courses.
There is a chain of courses stretching the entire length of the Mediterranean coast. The top-quality courses
are open all year round, with sunshine whatever the season. They are also conveniently close to hotel facilities.
Tunisia has eight main courses:
Tabarka Golf Course is situated on a 270 acre eucalyptus, pine and oak forest overhanging the ocean on the
edge of the coral coast.
Carthage Golf Course demands skill and accuracy as players negotiate among hundred-year-old eucalyptus trees.
Hammamet is home to two courses: Yasmine Golf Course gives players a chance to enjoy both the Mediterranean
and the surrounding hills; Citrus Golf Course is designed around six lakes and 300acres of olive groves.
El Kantaoui Golf Course in Sousse dominates the famous holiday resort of the same name and is host to numerous
tournaments and international competitions.
Monastir Golf Course is set on a garden plateau suspended between lakes and the sea.
Palm Links Golf Course is also situated in Monastir, a major tourist area, and close to one of Tunisia's
best beaches
Djerba Golf Course, on the island off the coast of the mainland, is one of the county's most impressive.
The 27-hole course has golfers winding their way through palm trees and climbing sand dunes to reach the sea.
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