The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is currently accepting applications for African films (including from the African Diaspora) and films from the Dhow Countries region (South East Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, The Persian Gulf, Iran, Pakistan, India and the Indian Ocean Islands) as well as from all countries across the world. Films must be have been produced after 2020. East African TV Series in Kiswahili, produced after 2020, are also invited for competition.
Every year, ZIFF screens approximately 70 domestic and foreign productions and hosts a dozen complementary activities such as workshops, masterclasses, debates and roundtables, network events, panoramas and outreach screenings. The festival typically welcomes hundreds of guests from outside Zanzibar and presents 20 awards selected by juries of industry professionals.
Films reflecting the theme of global cultural interaction, cultural encounters or socio-cultural commentary will be given priority. Films must have been completed by between 2020 and no later than February 15, 2022. ZIFF will only accept submissions of works in progress after agreement with festival management.
The submission deadline is 28 February 2022.
Awards & Prizes
Several awards with prizes in cash and/or services are presented by juries of local and international industry professionals.
• GOLDEN DHOW for Best Film in the Festival (from Dhow Countries)
• SILVER DHOW for Best Documentary
• SILVER DHOW for Best East African Short Film
• SILVER DHOW for The Best Bongo Movie in Competition
• SILVER DHOW for BEST TV SERIES (Swahili language Series from East Africa)
• SEMBENE TROPHY for the Best Short film by an African Filmmaker (3 Awards)
• BEST AFRICAN SHORT FILM Award (from the European Film Festivals Group)
• BEST SCRIPT AWARD (for the Best Student film in the Students Film Section)
• BEST STUDENT FILM Award (in the Students Film Competition Section)
• THE EMERSON’S ZANZIBAR Award (for the Best Zanzibar film)
• ZIFF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
• THE CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
• SPECIAL JURY AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD