This year the Zanzibar International Film Festival in association with ZUKU have tried to include as many perspectives as possible from 48 countries represented in the films screened during the festival that reveal diverse viewpoints on events and Issues. This year ZIFF has welcomed new films from Slovenia, Jordan, Cape Verde and Thailand contributing – new voices of a Shared History.
Screening today was “A Story About Wendy” a film directed by Sean Hodgkinson from Trinidad & Tobago on how a girl’s life spirals out of control after the sudden departure of her fiance. “A Story About Wendy”was well received and appreciated by a full house audience that a re-screening of the movie has been arranged tomorrow shortly after screening of our Oscar Shorts as part of ZIFF’s Festival of Festivals taking place at the Maru Maru Hotel.
Also screening today at the Old Fort Amphitheatre was director Inna D’s Ndoto Iliyocheleweshwa (Calling Home) set in Kenya on the Lamu Archipelago, Ndoto Iliyocheleweshwa tells the story of Muhammad who returns to the island after a period of absence. On returning nostalgia sets in and Muhammad begins an introspective process of questioning why he left…
Entertaining crowds today at Mambo Club with their magical Taraab performance were the all women band Tausi and performing chart buster hit covers and originals in Swahili and English were Afro Jazz “Coconut Band” from Zanzibar.
Local and International art lovers are seen gathering to see the artwork of the late John Da Silva, displayed at the John Da Silva Memorial Exhibition held at the Dhow Countries Music Academy. The exhibition is held in memory of the late John Da Silva, one of the most prolific and acclaimed artists of Zanzibar and Tanzania. John Da Silva was born in Goa and found his love for art when he fell in love with Stone Town. Starting with painting and re- the Catholic Cathedral in Zanzibar, he moved on to sketching, drawing and painting the one love of his life – Stone Town.
Save the Children believe in the vital role of child film industry and it is significant position on promoting awareness on children rights and protection. Through the support of Zanzibar International Film Festival’s Children Panorama, Save the Children has been able to reach a huge number of children and facilitate their rights to participation and expression. Save The Children are really optimistic about spreading their message across to thousands of children and the wider local and International community visiting the film screenings, workshops and other ZIFF events. During the Awards Ceremony on 6th July 2013, Save The Children will give out an award to the Best Children’s Film shown during Zanzibar International Film Festival 2013.