22nd ZIFF Opens with Kenya's Subira ¶
The 22nd edition of the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) opened on July 6, 2019, with a large turnout from various parts of the world, including a special guest, the legendary South African musician Sipho Mabuse.
The opening film was Subira from Kenya, which left a lasting impression on the audience.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Maudline Cyrus Castico, the Minister of Labour, Employment, Youth Development, Elderly, Women and Children, represented Asha Balozi Idd, the wife of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, and praised ZIFF's efforts in promoting the talents of Tanzanians through film.
She also encouraged the people of Zanzibar to take advantage of the opportunities provided by ZIFF, including film training and tourism.
Castico also commended the programs for children that are run parallel to ZIFF, saying they will help shape the children's understanding of their growth and development.
On his part, the Chairman of ZIFF, Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Information, Tourism and Heritage, continued to call on stakeholders, including businesspeople and government institutions, to support the festival, as it is one of the largest film festivals in East Africa.
He also thanked the main sponsor of the festival, Azam Media, through Azam TV, for their support.
The festival, which started on July 6, 2019, is expected to run until July 14, 2019.
There are 208 films being screened at the festival, with 33 of them from Tanzania, including 14 from Zanzibar and 19 from the mainland.
These films are being shown free of charge to the public at the Old Fort, Zancine, and Beach House.
