Zimbabwe International Film Festival

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Arts & CultureHarare
Dates25–28 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration4 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsZIFF's defining feature is its ten-day
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Zimbabwe International Film Festival in Harare

The Zimbabwe International Film Festival, known as ZIFF, is a ten-day film festival held in Harare each August or September. Instituted in 1998 and run by the non-profit Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust, it screens feature films, documentaries and short films from Zimbabwean and international filmmakers alongside workshops and other cultural events.

The Zimbabwe International Film Festival began in 1998 as the project of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust, a non-profit body set up to give Zimbabwean filmmakers and audiences something that was otherwise scarce: sustained, structured access to international cinema alongside a platform for local work.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

ZIFF's defining feature is its ten-day length, considerably longer than most African film festivals, giving it room to run a genuinely competitive programme across features, documentaries and short films rather than a single highlight screening

02

The mystery stays covered

Organised by the non-profit Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust since 1998, it positions itself explicitly as a non-political platform in a country where cultural events can become entangled in politics, focusing instead on showcasing filmmaking craft

03

The city starts moving

The festival pairs its screenings with workshops, giving Zimbabwean filmmakers, many working with limited industry infrastructure, direct access to training and critique alongside the chance to see international work on a big screen in Harare

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

ZIFF was built specifically as a non-political

Water and renewal

Living ritual

competitive showcase for filmmaking rather than a folk or religious festival

The sacred route

Living ritual

reflecting Zimbabwe's small but persistent independent film community and its trust-run

The local code

Living ritual

non-profit organisational model since 1998

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

25–28 November 2026

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

Screenings run in indoor cinemas and halls in Harare during the August to September dry season, when days are warm and evenings turn cool, so casual layered clothing works well, with a light...

Safety

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

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Harare 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

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map17.83 S, 31.05 EOpen in Google Maps

Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

Nearest airportHRE — Robert Gabriel Mugabe
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 Harare 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 Harare via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Harare, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearScreenings run in indoor cinemas and halls in Harare during the August to September dry season, when days are warm and evenings turn cool, so casual layered clothing works well, with a light jacket for evening screenings in air-conditioned venues.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe International Film Festival?

Zimbabwe International Film Festival is listed for 25–28 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Zimbabwe International Film Festival take place?

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

How long should I plan for?

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

Is a source linked?

Dates confirmed in curated data. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

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 URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed dates25–28 November 2026
Source statusDates confirmed in curated data
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