Zanzibar Film Festival’s future hangs in the balance as CEO calls for local support

Unguja. Amid the vibrant celebrations of the 27th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), CEO Joseph Mwale made an impassioned plea for local support to ensure the festival’s continued success and longevity.

In his opening remarks, Mr Mwale highlighted the festival’s deep-rooted significance, not only as an entertainment event but as a cultural cornerstone for Zanzibar and beyond.

“ZIFF isn’t just an event; it’s a lifeline for our government, our society, and every individual who cherishes the arts,” Mwale declared.

Mr Mwale further expressed concern over the declining momentum of the festival, describing it as a warning alarm for the community.

He stressed the urgency of revitalising ZIFF, which he described as being at a critical juncture.

“The slowing down of ZIFF serves as a warning alarm for all of us. At this rate, we risk losing what we hold dear,” he cautioned.

With ZIFF now relying heavily on local support, Mwale urged the community to step up and contribute to the festival’s future.

“This is a local festival that now depends on local support. If we do not act now, we may wake up one day to find it gone,” he warned.

“We cannot afford to point fingers at anyone but ourselves.”

In a stirring appeal, Mwale called on everyone to take responsibility and be part of the solution.

“Don’t wait to be asked where you were when ZIFF went down. It is time for rejuvenation,” he urged.

Chairman of ZIFF, Chande Omar, added that the festival aims to push artists to create films that address societal challenges, moving beyond traditional themes of romance.

“In the coming year, we aim to work closely with the government to push filmmakers to produce films that tackle current societal issues,” Omar stated.