Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is currently accepting film submissions for its upcoming event. The festival, which will run from August 1st to August 4th, 2024, is open to all African films, including those from the African Diaspora, as well as films from the Dhow Countries’ region, which encompasses South East Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, The Persian Gulf, Iran, Pakistan, India, and the Indian Ocean Islands.
Films submitted for consideration must have been produced after January 1st, 2022. ZIFF is particularly interested in TV drama series from East African Countries, such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Republic of the Congo. These TV drama series should range from 25 to 60 minutes in length per episode.
In line with this year’s festival theme, “Rejuvenation,” priority will be given to films that reflect global cultural interaction, cultural encounters, or sociocultural commentary. Films must be completed by May 5th, 2024.
The festival will accept works in progress after an agreement with ZIFF management. The main competition, the Golden Dhow and Silver Dhow, is open to filmmakers from the Dhow countries, which include the Indian Ocean Rim, Indian Ocean Islands, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, and all African countries.
ZIFF’s competition categories for 2024 include Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Emerson Award for the Best Zanzibar Film, Best Short Film or Best Animation, Best East African Film, The Sembene Ousmane Award for the Best Film for Development, Best Actor (East Africa), Best Actress (East Africa), Best Actor (Tanzania), Best Actress (Tanzania), Chairperson’s Award, Lifetime Achievement, and the People’s Choice Award.
Films for submission should include a press kit containing technical and artistic data, a synopsis in English, photographs, posters, press articles, and the director’s bio-data. Zanzibar International Film Festival aims to showcase films from diverse regions, promote cultural exchange, and celebrate the vibrant art of filmmaking.
