The 18th annual Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) got off to a star-studded start
with an evening of entertainment. The evening played host to two South African
icons, the legendary singer Dorothy Masuka and the beloved star of Sarafina, Leleti
Khumalo.
Masuka did an acapella performance that included a tribute to the late Nelson
Mandela on the occasion of his birthday, Mandela Day.
The day’s festivities started earlier with the official sponsor launch of the event at
the DoubleTree by Hilton Conference Centre which was attended by the Second Vice
President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi; as well as by Zanzibar’s Minister for Culture,
Information, Tourism and Sports Said Ali Mbarouk; and the deputy MD of Zuku,
Mandy Rogers.
The film Selma was followed by entertainment with the likes of Tanzania’s
Damian Soul, as well as the Kepemchim Kirnnam, a group from India.
The annual ZIFF Dhow race took place with hundreds of people turning up to cheer
on these traditional boats and to celebrate the craftsmanship of the local boat-
builders and sailors. Winners this year were the Western Ocean Marine
Science Association, followed closely by the Zanzibar Association of Tourism
Investors.
ZIFF runs until 26 July with a full range of film screenings, workshops, exhibits and
musical performances.
For the full programme and details click here
or visit the official ZIFF Facebook
page.
