On 26 July, the Zanzibar Film Festival (ZIFF) 2015 awarded a host of prizes to top films from around the world during a closing ceremony at the Old Fort in Stone Town.
Festival director Martin Mhando had this to say of the selection of films at ZIFF 2015, “The level of films this year has surpassed our wildest expectations and many members of the jury have remarked on the quality of the films. African films in particular have stood out for their increased production value as well as innovative story telling. We at ZIFF have been thrilled to present such a varied and wonderful range of films this year.’
The closing ceremony included a performance from Barnanba as well as speeches from Leonce Ngabo, chair of the East African Film Network; Richard Alden, CEO of ZUKU; Mahmoud Kombo, chairman of the ZIFF board; and Martin Mhando, ZIFF director.
Zuku Bongo movie awards:
People’s Choice Award – Mr. Kadamanja
Best Film in Sound – Samaki Mchangani
Best Cinematography – Daddy’s Wedding
Best Actress – Jokate Mwegelo in Mikono Salama
Best Actor – Adam Kuambiana in Mr.Kadamanja
Best Director – Honeymoon Mohamed for Daddy’s Wedding
Best Feature Film – Kutakapokucha
European African Film Festival Award
Best African Film – Wazi? FM – Dir: Faras Cavallo
EAC-EAFN Awards
Best East African Film (Feature) – Going Bongo – Dir: Dean Matthew Ronalds
Best East African Film (Documentary) – Shadow Fighters – Dir: Josefine Heimburger
Best East African Film (Short) – Angels of my Face – Dir: Manu Maina
Signis Awards
Commendation: Eye of the Cyclone – Dir: Sekou Traore
Signis East Afircan Talent Award: Wazi? FM – Dir: Faras Cavallo
Signis Award: Life is Waiting: Referendum & Resistance in Western Sahara – Dir: Lara Lee
Ousmane Sembene Awards:
Special Mention: Uthando –Dir: Tulanana Bohela; Liberte Emprisonnee – Dir: Sarah Mikayil
Soko Sonko – Dir: Ekwa Msangi
ZIFF Awards
Bi Kidude Award (chairman’s Award) – Price of Love – Dir: Hermon Hailay
Lifetime Achievement Awards: Bi. Fatma Alloo; Hassan Mitawi
Special Jury Prize – Every Day is a Small Life – Dir: Albane Fioretti
Best Documentary – Papa Machete – Dir: Jonathan David Kane
Best Short/Animation – Soko Sonko – Dir: Ekwa Msangi
Best East African Film Talent – Strength of a Woman – Dir: Gilbert Lukalia
Best Feature Film Silver Dhow Award – Simshar – Dir: Rebecca Cremona
Best Feature Film Golden Dhow Award – Wazi? FM – Dir: Faras Cavallo
