by Ali Rashid Salim 

Tourists are often lured to the lush island of Zanzibar, which boasts all the pleasures of a tropical paradise, and provides a contrast to the vast savannahs of East Africa. But increasingly it is Zanzibar's unique culture that is proving a draw.

The annual Festival of the Dhow Countries has been a major catalyst for visitors from around the world and for nurturing the artistic potential of Zanzibaris. Up to 500,000 people, including Zanzibaris, visitors from other African countries and tourists from further a field, are expected to participate in the third Festival, which runs from 30 June to 9 July this year. This cultural extravaganza is the brainchild of ZIFF (Zanzibar International Film Festival) a non governmental organisation, set up to promote the cultural heritage of the island and nurture local talent.

Until ZIFF was established in 1998, the unique culture of the dhow countries was overshadowed by the biennial film festival in Burkina Faso, the annual Southern African Film Festival in Zimbabwe and another event in Carthage, Tunisia. VSO volunteer and ZIFF music director, Yusuf Mahmoud, says the Festival of the Dhow  Countries will help redress the balance for East Africa and the Indian Ocean. "Because of its historical links, Zanzibar is the perfect location to combine films from the Arab world, Iran and parts of Asia, alongside African cinema," he says. Zanzibar shares a culture with these regions which was created over centuries of trade in exotic products such as cloves, coconuts, spices and fabrics. Traditional sailing vessels known as dhows plied the Indian Ocean with these goods. They also helped spread ideas, traditions and religions. The resulting Swahili culture includes unique genres such as taarab music.

Feature films and video documentaries make-up the centrepiece of the Festival. But the 10 day event is not only about screening a wide spectrum of films from the region, it also offers an opportunity for film makers to share ideas. Further,  ZIFF works all year round with local artists, offering courses in filming, international copyright law and marketing. Already this pioneering effort has borne fruit. "After only two years, we see that now some local people are inspired to become involved in making films themselves," says Mahmoud.

Former radio presenter, Nassra Mohammed Hilal is making her first documentary on women and development which will be screened at the festival. And Zanzibar Footsteps Theatre is filming a feature about the life of a poor girl unable to afford school. Imane Osmund Duwe, a reporter with Television Zanzibar, was tasked with reporting the Festival last year and this summer, plans to take a more active role.

A graduate of the Mohammed Amin Foundation in Nairobi, Duwe won a scholarship to study film in South Africa. Now she wants to become a film director. "Essentially film is a mirror for life which reflects the full spectrum of being human. I am attracted by that," she says.  

Organisers encourage the whole the community take participate in the Festival. Although ZIFF only has six full time staff to manage the US$300,000 event, it does employs around a 100 local people during the 10 days. And thousands of Zanzibaris flock to watch films and participate in music and theatre performances. However there are obstacles to some sections of the community take a more prominent role in film and media.  ZIFF director Imruh Bakari admits although many women were creative and talented, traditionally they would not be regarded as artists. In a bid to combat such stereotypes, the Women's Panorama - a series of films, workshops, music and exhibitions created by women - will be staged.  Fatima Hamdu, a resident of Nungwi peninsular, 50 kilometres north of Zanzibar, was impressed by the first Women's Panorama last year. "Most men like to look down upon women, although they know that women are an integral part of society," she says.

"It is my sincere hope that such programmes will create better relations between men and women, children and their parents," Hamdu says.  

To ensure people in rural areas have the opportunity to participate in the festival, mobile video vans will drive through the countryside to screen films and hold events in some 40 villages. Last year the Village Panorama attracted 250,000 people. "For these islands the festival presents a new and exciting way forward," says Mahmoud, "to show films which are relevant to the lives of local people, to build networks with film makers and other artists, to develop local arts and handicrafts, to reclaim and revitalise Swahili culture and through cultural tourism to bring in a much needed revenue for the peoples of Zanzibar."

Films and videos offer more than entertainment, they often contain a subtle social message as well. Village Panorama co-ordinator, Nassra Moh'd said that film and other media had a powerful role to play in educating people, about health issues. In this respect the festival is continuing an African tradition of transmitting information through oral culture. Mahmoud explains, "For countless generations, social education, teaching of health, environmental and pertinent issues have been done through storytelling and song."

Despite Zanzibar's rich heritage, Western media threatens to marginalize it, says Mahmoud. "Young people here favour Coca Cola over fresh mango, coconut or pineapple juice, even though its double the price - and similarly with the artistic and cultural expressions which are also in danger of becoming Americanised and sold out." But given a chance, Zanzibaris are recognising the value of their unique culture - and its potential elsewhere in Africa.

"Rather than make films of space aliens, cowboys and cops, African cinema has tended to produce films that will resonate with people all over the continent - if only they are given the opportunity to watch them," he says.