Zambia International Film Festival

View on map
Arts & CultureLusaka
DatesDates TBACheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsSOTAMBE, meaning come and watch in a local
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZMW
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Zambia International Film Festival in Lusaka

The Zambia International Film Festival, run under the SOTAMBE brand and known as ZAMIFF, is Zambia's largest film festival, established in 2014 by the SOTAMBE Film Institute on the Copperbelt and now held in its thirteenth-plus edition, promoting Southern African filmmaking through screenings and industry programming, with events also held in Lusaka.

The SOTAMBE Zambia International Film Festival, widely abbreviated as ZAMIFF, is Zambia's largest film festival, established in 2014 on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia by the SOTAMBE Film Institute, later expanding its organizational identity to include the SOTAMBE International Film and Arts Festival.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

SOTAMBE, meaning come and watch in a local Zambian language, is Zambia's largest film festival by its organizers' own description, distinguished by its dual mission of entertainment and social-issue education through film and arts, its origins on the Copperbelt before expanding nationally to Lusaka and beyond, and its role as the primary platform connecting Zambian and wider Southern African filmmakers with industry growth opportunities, business development partnerships, and cross-border regional collaboration among filmmaking peers

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

SOTAMBE continues the broader African film festival tradition of using cinema as a tool for social education and cross-border cultural exchange

Water and renewal

Living ritual

rooted in its founding mission to raise awareness of social issues through film and arts on the Copperbelt before expanding its reach nationally

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA

Getting around

For Zambia International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Lusaka venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual to smart-casual attire is typical for screenings and panel sessions; some premiere or gala evenings may call for smarter dress, consistent with film festival norms elsewhere.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Zambia International Film Festival, stay near the part of Lusaka you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

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

Language/currency

ZMW

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map15.41 S, 28.29 EOpen in Google Maps

Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

Nearest airportLUN — Kenneth Kaunda
TransportFor Zambia International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Lusaka venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Zambia International Film Festival, stay near the part of Lusaka you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

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 Lusaka via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Lusaka, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearCasual to smart-casual attire is typical for screenings and panel sessions; some premiere or gala evenings may call for smarter dress, consistent with film festival norms elsewhere.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Zambia 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 Zambia International Film Festival?

Zambia International Film Festival is listed for Dates to be announced. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Zambia International Film Festival take place?

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

How long should I plan for?

Annual 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?

Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

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 URLsotambefestival.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA
Source statusOfficial source linked
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