Zanzibar International Film Festival

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is an annual arts and film festival held in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Over ten days each year, it brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across Africa and beyond for screenings, workshops, and cultural events.

• Held annually in Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Features 10 days of film screenings and arts events
• Awards include the Golden Dhow and Silver Dhow
• Programs for women, children, and rural communities
• Evening galas and musical concerts each night

What it is

The Zanzibar International Film Festival, also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is a major annual event in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It stands as one of East Africa’s largest cultural gatherings, dedicated to showcasing local and international cinema alongside a wide range of artistic expressions. ZIFF serves as a meeting point for filmmakers, artists, and audiences, fostering dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange. The festival is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, drawing thousands of visitors who come to experience the best of African and global film, music, and art in the unique setting of Zanzibar.

Where it comes from

Founded in 1997, ZIFF was established as a non-governmental organization with the aim of promoting film and cultural industries as drivers of social and economic growth in the region. From its beginnings, the festival has grown into a multidisciplinary event, reflecting the rich artistic traditions of Zanzibar and the wider East African region. Its commitment to education, entertainment, and networking has made it a key platform for emerging and established talent, and a significant contributor to Zanzibar’s cultural and economic life.

How it is celebrated

ZIFF unfolds over ten days, featuring a packed program of film screenings, discussion panels, and workshops. Films are shown not only in the historic Stone Town of Zanzibar City but also in rural villages, making the festival accessible to a wide audience. Each evening, musical concerts and gala events bring together festival-goers for lively celebrations. The festival’s diverse programs include special panoramas for women and children, outreach projections, art exhibitions, and cultural village tours. Awards such as the Golden Dhow and Silver Dhow are presented by international juries, recognizing excellence in various film categories. The festival also hosts life skills camps and peace camps for children, emphasizing its role in community engagement.

Joining in

Visitors to ZIFF can expect a welcoming and energetic atmosphere, with events centered in Stone Town and extending to villages across Zanzibar. Screenings, concerts, and workshops are open to all, drawing a mix of locals and international guests. The festival’s inclusive spirit means that newcomers can easily join in, whether attending a film premiere, exploring art exhibitions, or enjoying evening galas. It’s an opportunity to experience Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and connect with artists and audiences from around the world.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Zanzibar International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Zanzibar International Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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