About Festival
The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is the largest multi-disciplinary art and cultural festival in Eastern Africa dedi-cated to the exhibition of films, music and community panoramas. Each year ZIFF ex-hibits morethan 100 films made in Africa, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, USA and Asia prioritising films from Africa and by Africans including the African Diaspora.
ZIFF is a festival dedicated to promoting Af-rican culture and communication through film.The Festival of the Dhow Countries is a celebration of thousands of years of com-munication between peoples of the Indian Ocean with peoples in the African continent especially in East Africa.
It helps increase the visibility of African films, encourage creativity and the pursuit of excellence, promote and in-crease awareness of African arts and cultures. The Zanzibar International Film Festival is or-ganized by a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1998 in Zanzibar to promote and showcase the culture of the DhowCountries.
ZIFF, the Festival of the Dhow Countries sym- bolizes Zanzibar. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), is a leading film and cul- ture platform in East Africa, partner to many social programmes made possible due to the collaboration with our partners and sponsors. Collaboratively it has been able to impact on the lives of artists and people in Zanzibar, Tanzania and East Africa.
The ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries is at- tended by over 45000 visitors throughout the 9 days of the festival in Stonetown alone. ZIFF’s 9 programmes physically reach over 100,000 people and hundred thousands more through the media, and impact their lives in diverse ways.
ZIFF is practically a whole year event given the number of activities taking place before and after each festival. There are 9 programmes tak- ing place in 12 venues involved in the festival from Film Screenings and Workshops to Cul- tural activities that include a Dhow race, Wom- en Health and Sports, Music Performances and Arts Performances, Exhibitions, as well as Opening and Award Night Celebrations. As a local event, taking place in the picturesque Stone Town in Zanzibar, the festival is a tourist attraction visited by over 6000 tourists during the 9 days.
Why ZIFF Was Started
A cultural response to revive cinema, empower local creators, and share authentic African stories.
Revitalizing Cinema Culture
Reigniting interest in film and the arts across a region where cinema had lost its prominence. By building a robust platform for filmmakers, ZIFF restores the vibrancy of cinema as an essential cultural medium.
Celebrating African Cinema
Showcasing authentic African films and narratives to highlight the richness of diverse local cultures. ZIFF provides a vital space for filmmakers to present work free from Western-centric perspectives.
A Meeting Place for Filmmakers
Serving as a unique gathering point for African and international filmmakers. The festival fosters authentic collaboration and deep cultural dialogue rooted in local African realities rather than superficial glamour.
Cultural Expression Beyond Film
Embracing a holistic celebration of artistic heritage. ZIFF connects cinema with music, dance, literature, and visual arts, recognizing the deep interconnectedness of African creative traditions.
A New Narrative of Festival Culture
Redefining festival values by incorporating themes of peace, entrepreneurship, and social issues. ZIFF highlights women and children, bringing community-centric storytelling back to the forefront.
Cinema as Education
Viewing film as a powerful tool for learning and wisdom. Parallel to traditional Bibi's storytime, ZIFF creates a communal experience that educates, preserves history, and serves as a living cultural library.