Zanzibar International Film Festival Celebrates African Cinema’s Global Emergence
The 28th edition of the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) concluded with a powerful showcase of African storytelling, highlighting the continent’s cinematic diversity and creative excellence.
Over 150 films and experimental works were screened, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to amplifying authentic African narratives. The event brought together filmmakers and creatives from across the region, signaling a transformative moment in African cinema.
Kenyan film Kileo won Best Feature Film – East Africa, while Uganda’s Memories of Love captured Best Documentary. The short film category was dominated by Boy No Fear, which explored themes of courage and identity.
Acting performances received significant recognition. Peter Odeke was crowned Best Actor for his role in Janani, while Talie Agrey won Best Actress for The Christmas Run, a collaborative Tanzanian-Kenyan production.
Local talent shone brightly, with Tanzanian actors Wisher Nakamba and Hemed Suleiman winning Best Actress and Best Actor – Tanzania respectively for their powerful performances in Niko Sawa.
The festival’s jury emphasized the submissions’ originality and creativity, noting a significant shift in African filmmaking towards global storytelling.
As ZIFF 2025 concluded, it became clear that East African cinema is entering a groundbreaking era—creating locally rooted stories that resonate on an international stage, powered by exceptional homegrown talent.
