11^th Zanzibar International Film Festival at a 'cultural crossroads'

The theme for this year's festival is "cultural crossroads" which revolves around cultural contest/dispute, reminiscent of where the community of the Dhow countries comes from and its fusion of culture from around the world.

The Dhow countries, which share the Indian Ocean basin, include the African continent, the Gulf States, India, Pakistan, the Indian Ocean islands and their global diaspora.

Film and video productions compete for the prestigious Gold and Silver Dhow Awards; winners will be announced on Saturday, 19 July. These awards are named after the Dhow, the ancient see-going trade vessel powered by the monsoon winds, which over centuries have brought together the people of the Indian Ocean region.

The international screening programme is the centrepiece of the festival which was inaugurated in 1998 as the Zanzibar International Film Festival. More than 50 films are anticipated to be exhibited at this years festival, among them include Behind this Convent (2008) Rwanda, Hero-wings are not necessary to fly (2007) Spain, Pukwa (2008) Kenya, The Great Silence(2008) USA, One Day (2006) Norway, Jando (2006) Tanzania, An Islamic Conscience: The Aga Khan and Ismailis (2008) UK and The Princess from Zanzibar (2007) Germany.

The brains trust will bring together the key players and decision-makers in all disciplines of new media including cinematography, advertising, TV and satellite broadcasting, web casting, broadband, mobile as well as players at the helm of manufacturing software and hardware for post-production and distribution. They will be available to share experience and valuable insight in delivery and production models for opportunities for African youth, women and ethnic minorities to author, share and disseminate their own stories.

The brains trust will be opened by Ambassador Andrew Young on Tuesday, July 15, followed by a panel discussion.

The following seminars and workshops have already been scheduled: