‘Tanzania ya Samia’ to premiere in May, exploring Dar es Salaam's heartbeat

Dar es Salaam. Popular Tanzanian actor and comedian Idriss Sultan has unveiled a new documentary series titled Tanzania ya Samia, aimed at highlighting the country’s beauty, diversity, and cultural richness through its regions.

Set to debut soon, the opening episode will take viewers on a journey through the country’s commercial capital, highlighting its rich history, vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and significant development milestones.

Over the years, Tanzanian cinema has made impressive global strides, with films like ‘The Royal Tour’ helping to shine an international spotlight on the country's tourism.

Now, creatives like Idriss Sultan are stepping up to keep that momentum going by telling uniquely Tanzanian stories that celebrate national pride.

Speaking recently, Mr Sultan said the documentary series is more than just visual storytelling; it’s a way to preserve and promote Tanzania’s heritage.

“What we’ve created is what we’re calling Tanzania ya Samia, but really, it’s about our Tanzania,” said Mr Sultan.

He explained that the series is named in honour of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s current administration, which has overseen major national progress.

A new documentary aims to visually showcase Tanzania's remarkable achievements, offering a glimpse into what truly sets the country apart on the global stage.

It will highlight the nation’s unique qualities, emphasising the factors that make Tanzania exceptional.

“We’re in an era where a lot has been done, and to showcase Tanzania’s essence and national values, we felt the need to come up with this documentary series, to ask and show: What is our Tanzania, really?” he said.

Given the vastness of the country and the depth of stories to tell, the series will take a regional approach, starting with Dar es Salaam.

“Tanzania is massive. There’s no way we could package everything into one film and do it justice,” said Mr Sultan.

He revealed that the premiere of the first episode is set for 23 May 2025 at Mlimani City.

Entry will be free, offering everyone the chance to experience Dar es Salaam from a new perspective.

“For the Zaramo people and all Dar residents, it will be a day of celebration. They’ll get to see their city through a new lens and discover what’s been happening on the ground,” he noted.

Beyond showcasing sights, the documentary also provides data-driven insights covering infrastructure projects, schools, hospitals, road networks, and other key developments in the city.

“Everyone knows their version of Dar. Maybe you know Kijitonyama, someone else knows Mbezi, and another knows Masaki or Kijichi. But the question is: What does the full picture of Dar es Salaam look like?” he asked.

The documentary also touches on various elements like healthcare systems, the airport, road construction, and education, highlighting the city’s transformation and growth over recent years.

Mr Sultan revealed that the Dar es Salaam script alone spans over 100 pages, a testament to the scale and depth of the production.

As the countdown to May 23 begins, all eyes are on ‘Tanzania ya Samia’, a project that promises to blend storytelling, patriotism, and data into a powerful cinematic experience.