Ugandan film to open Zanzibar International Film Festival 2025
From left is Mr Thani Mfamau, ZIFF Board Member; Mr Hatibu Madudu, ZIFF Festival Director; Mr Joseph Mwale, ZIFF CEO; and Mr Mpangi Otte, Director of the Goethe-Institut, holding this year’s official poster. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The film will headline the festival’s 2025 edition, themed “Where Hope Takes Root.”
Zanzibar. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), East Africa’s premier film and cultural event, is set to open with the Ugandan film Janani: The Last Stand, an inspiring biopic that captures the bravery of Anglican Archbishop Janani Luwum, who stood up to the brutal regime of Idi Amin.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Matt Bish, the film will headline the festival’s 2025 edition, themed “Where Hope Takes Root.”
The event will run from June 25 to 29 in Stone Town, showcasing a diverse lineup of cinema, masterclasses, workshops, and community-driven programmes.
ZIFF Festival Director Mr Hatibu Madudu said the festival continues to serve as a dynamic platform for cultural dialogue and storytelling from across the region and beyond.
“This year we celebrate 28 years of ZIFF’s journey. What began in 1997 as a local celebration of film has grown into the largest cultural gathering of its kind in East Africa and the Indian Ocean world,” Mr. Madudu said at a press briefing.
The festival has received over 430 film submissions globally this year, including 174 from East Africa alone. It draws entries and audiences from what is often referred to as the Dhow Countries—a region encompassing South-East Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf, Iran, Pakistan, India, and the Indian Ocean islands.
Cinema with a purpose
ZIFF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Joseph Mwale highlighted the wide-reaching impact of the festival’s programming, which includes dedicated segments for women, children, and rural communities.
“Through village panoramas, dhow races, women’s beach soccer, arts platforms, and public forums, ZIFF engages over 200,000 people annually. Our aim is to make cinema accessible and meaningful to all,” said Mr. Mwale.
He added that the festival remains committed to creating space for dialogue on pressing social issues through panel discussions and outreach screenings, reinforcing the role of film as a vehicle for education, empathy, and transformation.
Catalyst for hope
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mpangi Otte, Director of the Goethe-Institut Tanzania, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme.
“‘Where Hope Takes Root’ is more than a slogan. It reminds us that films are not just entertainment—they are testimonies of struggle, resilience, and redemption. Even in the darkest times, cinema helps us remember that hope is always possible,” he said.
Mr. Otte called on audiences, especially young people, to seize the opportunities presented by ZIFF for learning, networking, and creative expression in the picturesque setting of Zanzibar.
ZIFF 2025 competition highlights
This year’s competition categories include Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Zanzibar Film (Emerson Award), Best Short Film or Animation, and several regional acting awards—among them Best Actor and Actress in both East Africa and Tanzania, as well as recognition for talent in Tanzanian drama series.
As anticipation builds, ZIFF 2025 promises not only a celebration of cinematic excellence but also a reaffirmation of the festival’s core mission—to unite, inspire, and empower through the transformative power of storytelling.
