ZIFF (Zanzibar International Film Festival) was established in Zanzibar in 1997 as a non-governmental organisation committed to the support and promote the arts and culture of the Dhow Region. The first Festival held in July '98 and the second in July '99, have increasingly attracted a wide variety of filmmakers, artists, as well as visitors to Zanzibar from all over the world.

From the vantage point of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, we offer a perspective on contemporary trends in global culture which addresses the defining ideas of the twenty-first century. The symbolic dhow stresses the need to recognise and to celebrate diversity while upholding individual integrity. As an element of the dynamic of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean region which ZIFF intends to encourage, there is the opportunity for an assertion of the dignity of the Zanzibari people while at the same time embracing the diasporic and international reality of the contemporary world.

These ideas have defined ZIFF's annual programme. The organisation Zanzibar International Film Festival now presents the Festival of the Dhow Countries. Cinema is still the centrepiece of the festival, the programme however is a celebration and appreciation of the cultural products of the region, their diversity, their inter-relation, and the potential which they offer for the development of a viable cultural and media industry.

ZIFF is now in preparation for next Festival of the Dhow Countries, taking place from June 30th to July 9th 2000.

Aims of ZIFF ZIFF's main aim is to promote and showcase the visual culture of the Dhow countries. Simply stated, the aims of ZIFF are: To showcase the best artistic talent from Africa, the Arab world, Pakistan, India, Iran and the islands of the Indian Ocean.

To promote the screening of films made in the region, enabling the general public to enjoy a wide diversity of films.

To celebrate the work of creative artists and to help to nurture a cultural awareness of the region, its issues and its heritage.

To create an environment and develop skills which will enable filmmakers, artists and academics to pursue their mutual concerns.

The Organisation ZIFF as NGO, is governed by a Board Of Trustees, which comprises of individuals from various sectors of Zanzibar society. The Board is actively involved with the day-to-day activities of the organisation. It meets regularly to review the business of ZIFF and to develop policy. The ZIFF Board of Trustees are;

Emerson Skeens (Chair) Hassan Mitawi (Vice Chair) Imruh Bakari (Festival Director) Joseph Castico Fatma Aloo Hamid Vuai Mukungu Nassor Mazrui Issa Mlingoti Fatma Gharib Suleiman M. Hassan Sharifa Khamiså