Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)

Event Overview

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) – Festival of the Dhow Countries

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is East Africa’s premier cinematic and cultural extravaganza, founded in 1997 to elevate film and the arts as catalysts for regional creativity, dialogue, and growth Refined NG

+12Wikipedia

+12Broadcast Media Africa

+12.

Held annually in late June (e.g., 25–29 June 2025), the festival transforms Stone Town, Zanzibar, into a vibrant cultural hub. Screenings take place at iconic venues such as the Old Fort amphitheater, Forodhani Gardens, marumaru patios, and even in rural villages via the Village Panorama initiative ziff.or.tz

+5MidiCinema

+5businessinsider.co.tz

+5.

Spanning 10 days, ZIFF showcases over 100 films, and integrates film workshops, outreach programs, panel discussions, film markets, art displays, live concerts, dhow races, and community soccer matches under its expansive program array ziff.or.tz

+1businessinsider.co.tz

+1.

ZIFF’s mission extends beyond entertainment. It drives social impact through Women Panorama and Children Panorama, offering entrepreneurship, animation workshops, and character‑building activities in local communities—often supported by the European Union, UNICEF, and other partners The Citizen

+5European External Action Service

+5Wikipedia

+5.

At the heart of ZIFF lies the prestigious Dhow Awards, including the Golden Dhow, attributes like Best Feature, Best Documentary, East African Talent, Short Film, and Drama Series prizes. Additional honors include Lifetime Achievement and People’s Choice awards for acting and regional storytelling ziff.or.tz

+9Wikipedia

+9FilmFreeway

+9.

The 2025 edition opened with the Ugandan biopic Janani: The Last Stand, embodying the theme “Where Hope Takes Root”, which underpinned socially conscious programming and storytelling across genres and formats European External Action Service

+4The Citizen

+4businessinsider.co.tz

+4.

This edition featured over 430 film submissions (174 from East Africa) and attracted thousands of attendees—including filmmakers and tourists—boosting Zanzibar’s local economy through tourism, craft markets, hospitality services, and cultural engagement The Citizen

+1MidiCinema

+1.

ZIFF remains a transformative cultural beacon where cinema, art, and community converge to inspire hope, amplify African perspectives, and position Zanzibar globally as a hub of creativity and innovation