ZIFF celebrates 17th edition, 20 years of SA democracy

On 15 June ZIFF will present a range of South African films that highlight some of the struggle icons and their stories including Sobukwe: A Great Soul, a film about Samora Machel, Comrade President, as well as well as The Soft Vengeance of Albie Sachs and We Never Give Up II.

Additionally, ZIFF will host a symposium - The Madiba Legacy: The Struggle Continues on Thursday, 19 June, from 7.30-8.30pm. This workshop will look at the struggles still facing South Africa today, as Danny Schechter, filmmaker and media critic, argues "what we do know, though, is that the ANC, when it came to power, was more preoccupied with political change than with economic change. And I think the problems that we're facing in South Africa today and in many other countries are because movements for change don't focus on economics. They mostly focus on politics."

Promoting, showcasing the culture of the Dhow Countries

The Zanzibar International Film Festival is the longest running film festival in East Africa, with global credibility and instant Pan-African recognition. The ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries is organised by ZIFF, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1998 in Zanzibar to promote and showcase the culture of the Dhow Countries. Every cent raised from sponsors and donors ensures the widest possible accessibility of high- quality international screenings and cultural events to all sections of the Tanzanian population.

The ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries is a catalyst for the promotion and development of the region's cultural industries. It encourages and supports the development of artistic skills and the infrastructure necessary for a vibrant and innovative arts environment. The festival programme gives particular prominence to the visibility and interests of women and children, including the youth.

The main panorama features international film and video screenings, and international retrospectives along with music and performances, main stage events, exhibitions, workshops and seminars. Emphasis has been given to The East African Film Makers forum and this will continue in Festival 2014, as will dialogues with various filmmakers from across the region.