Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) 2025

Event Overview

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF): Festival Overview 🎬🌍

The Zanzibar International Film Festival is a prestigious annual event that celebrates cinema as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and storytelling. Established in 1997, ZIFF has grown into one of Africa’s leading film festivals, showcasing films from diverse regions while bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the world. Hosted in the historic setting of Zanzibar, the festival blends global cinema with the island’s rich cultural heritage. An ideal image here would be a wide shot of an outdoor film screening or the Old Fort in Stone Town lit up during the festival. 📸🎥

📅 28th Season Dates

The 28th edition of ZIFF will take place from 25th to 29th June, 2025. During these days, Stone Town comes alive with film screenings, discussions, workshops, and cultural performances. An image placed here could feature festival banners, red-carpet arrivals, or audiences gathering for evening screenings. 🌙📷

🎞️ Call for Submissions

ZIFF management invites film professionals from around the world to submit their work during the official submission period. The festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share stories that reflect cultural diversity, social realities, and creative innovation. This section works well with an image of filmmakers networking, holding cameras, or presenting their work. 🎥📸

⏳ Submission Timeline

Submissions open on 10th March, 2025, with the main deadline on 10th April, 2025. A final submission deadline is set for 25th April, 2025. Clear timelines ensure that filmmakers have adequate time to prepare and submit their entries. An image suggestion here could be a simple creative shot of a clapperboard or film reel. 🎬📷

🌍 Eligible Regions & Film Categories

ZIFF accepts all African films, including works from the African Diaspora. It also welcomes films from the Dhow Countries’ region, including South East Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Indian Ocean Islands. This international scope reflects ZIFF’s mission of connecting cultures through cinema. A suitable image here could be a world map highlighting Africa and the Indian Ocean region. 🗺️📸

📺 Special Focus 2025: TV Drama Series

In 2025, ZIFF places special emphasis on TV drama series from East African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Republic of the Congo. Eligible episodes must be between 25 and 60 minutes in length. This focus highlights the growing strength of serialized storytelling in the region. An image here could show a TV production set or actors filming a drama scene. 🎭📷

📋 Film Requirements & Theme

Submitted films must have been produced after 2024 and completed no later than 5th May, 2025. Priority will be given to films exploring the theme “Where Hope Takes Root,” especially those reflecting cultural interaction, social dialogue, and meaningful encounters. Works in progress may only be accepted with prior agreement from ZIFF management. An image suggestion here could include symbolic visuals such as storytelling scenes or hopeful human moments on screen. 🌱📸

🏆 Awards & Recognition

ZIFF features a wide range of awards, including the prestigious Dhow Awards selected by the ZIFF Jury. These recognize excellence in feature films, documentaries, short films, animation, Zanzibar films, and acting categories across East Africa and Tanzania. Additional honors include ZIFF Board Awards such as the Chairperson’s Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as People’s Choice Awards for TV drama series and acting performances. An image here would work well showing trophies, award ceremonies, or applauding audiences. 🏅📷

📜 Rules, Competition & Submission Details

The main competition is open to filmmakers from Dhow countries, including African nations, Indian Ocean regions, and selected Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Submission is free for East African filmmakers, while submissions from outside East Africa require a fee of 10 US dollars. All entries must include a complete press kit and director bio-data. This section pairs well with an image of submission desks, accreditation badges, or festival organizers at work. 🗂️📸

✨ A Celebration of Cinema

ZIFF is more than a film festival; it is a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cultural diversity. Set against the timeless backdrop of Zanzibar, it offers filmmakers and audiences an unforgettable experience where cinema connects people, cultures, and ideas from across the globe. A closing image could feature a sunset screening by the sea or a joyful festival crowd. 🌅🎬