Zanzibar International Film Festival

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Arts & CultureStone Town
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-About 10,000 people
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsZIFF's dual identity as both a film festival
Language["sw"]Currency: TZS
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Zanzibar International Film Festival in Stone Town

The Zanzibar International Film Festival, known as ZIFF and also called the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is an annual film and cultural festival founded in 1997 and centered on the Old Fort in Stone Town. Screening local and international cinema alongside music, panels, and workshops over about ten days, it has grown into one of the largest multidisciplinary arts festivals in Africa.

When a group of organizers founded the Zanzibar International Film Festival in 1997, they gave it a second name that says as much about its ambitions as the first: the Festival of the Dhow Countries.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

ZIFF's dual identity as both a film festival and a broader cultural gathering sets it apart: alongside its film competition it runs panels, workshops, an art exhibition, and nightly musical galas, awarding prizes including the Golden Dhow and Silver Dhow alongside honors such as the UNICEF Award and a Life Time Achievement Award

02

The mystery stays covered

Screenings happen not only in Stone Town but also in rural Zanzibari villages, extending the festival's reach beyond Zanzibar City

03

The city starts moving

Since 1997 the festival has drawn thousands of international visitors, with past Golden Dhow winners representing Tanzania, Kenya, Pakistan, India, and Sudan, reflecting its ambition to represent cinema from across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's alternate name

Water and renewal

Living ritual

Festival of the Dhow Countries

The sacred route

Living ritual

reflects its founding mission to connect Zanzibar with the wider community of nations historically linked by Indian Ocean dhow trade

The local code

Living ritual

and its programming continues to foreground Swahili coast and East African cinema and performers such as taarab singer Bi Kidude

Tradition 5

Living ritual

who performed at the festival as one of its recurring attractions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing for Zanzibar's hot, humid climate, with shoulders and knees covered when moving through Stone Town's streets out of respect for local Islamic norms, and...

Safety

Zanzibar International Film Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Stone Town you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["sw"] · TZS

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.16 S, 39.19 EOpen in Google Maps

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Nearest airportZNZ — Abeid Amani Karume
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Stone Town you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Stone Town via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Stone Town, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for June.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable clothing for Zanzibar's hot, humid climate, with shoulders and knees covered when moving through Stone Town's streets out of respect for local Islamic norms, and comfortable shoes for walking between the Old Fort and other screening venues in the old town.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Tanzania and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Zanzibar International Film Festival?

Zanzibar International Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 24–28 June 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Zanzibar International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Stone Town, Tanzania. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLziff.or.tz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked
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