FOR the seventh consecutive year there is scheduled to be a mini Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) this coming Friday, in Dar es Salaam.
The event is also programmed to be held in Bagamoyo. The festival’s organisers say that these two events, which are being held under the banner of “Mini Bongo Movies” (MBM), are in acknowledgement of the importance they see the Bongo Movies (BM) industry, is bringing to cultural and economic development, within the country and the East Africa Region.
In so doing, they are also expressing their pride for having managed to extend their tentacles to Bagamoyo District of Coast Region, for this seventh consecutive year of having this event, pave the way for the main festival, which is said to be a “catalyst for the promotion and development of the region’s cultural industries.
During a conversation with the Festival’s Director, Professor Martin Mhando, he reminded the ‘Daily News’ that the Mini ZIFF, as this event is being called, has always supported the Swahili film industry and this year it will continue with its regional focus.Mhando was also very pleased to reveal that the locallybased internet providers, Com- Net, had provided the necessary funds to make this event possible. This necessitated a word from these people as to why they would wish to support such a venture.
After talking about how proud they were to be supporting the development of filmmaking in the region, their Operation’s Director, Frederick Shirima, said they have recognised the BM industry, as a major economic and cultural force. That is why today, they are “excited to be able to celebrate the best of these movies”, which they want to share with people who love them.
“We are looking forward to partnering with the industry and roll out innovative ways of marketing the movies through streaming and online distribution as our value added services”, Shirima added.
In the previous conversation with Mhando he explained this year’s vision would focus on the distribution aspects of BM throughout the region. In regards to this, he expressed their desire to hear from regional filmmakers and distributors, about their own experiences in regards to the opportunities and challenges the industry is facing.
This was followed with a broader explanation as to exactly what this Mini ZIFF would compose of. “As part of this year’s Mini ZIFF there will be a Bongo Movies Distribution Forum, at the Escape One Venue in order to discuss and workshop these issues.
Mini ZIFF, along with Primetime Entertainment and Clouds FM, will also play host to 50 of the top BM stars, directors and technical hands, at an event where the ten nominated films will be announced. BM’s top billing star, Ray Kgosi, will lead the discussion, as he challenges the current status of the industry,” Mhando added.
These ten films, Mhando also said, will vie for the coveted Zuku Bongo Movies awards. These include directing, cinematography, sound, editing, producing and acting, which TV Zuku has announced it is proud to continue supporting.
Their Director, Mandy Roger, reiterated time and again that as a channel, original content is “paramount” to their business. That is why they “harness the growth potential in developing Swahili films and awarding them the opportunity to be showcased on their “Zuku Swahili Movies Channel 210” platform.
Mhando’s pride that the ZIFF has not only attained a solid reputation among world film festivals, but also is considered one of the most significant cultural events in East and Central Africa, was quite visible.
Such high standings, he says they do not want to lose, hence their desire that the cultural focus of all events are to be carried through this Mini ZIFF 2015.
In another conversation the ZIFF’s International Media Manager, Lara Preston, told the ‘Daily News’ it is also thanks to Com- Net that this year’s Mini ZIFF will include a dhow race, on the foreshores of Bagamoyo’s Old Customs Beach today (Saturday).
This will be followed by another dhow race here in Dar es Salaam next week Saturday. The winners of the Bagamoyo race will join other masters at the ZIFF Dhow Race in Zanzibar on July 19, one day after the opening.
“This Dhow Race has become symbolically linked to the ZIFF and acknowledges the master craftsmen of old-makers of dhows and sails and those masters, who sail them,” Preston added.
During the previous conversation with Mhando he had referred to the dhow race as being a typical traditional sport of the coastal peoples of East Africa and this year ComNet had partnered with them to re-invigorate the often forgotten sport.
Such actions, he added take note of the ZIFF being famous not only for its “rich traditions”, but also for its “multicultural and friendly atmosphere that proclaims what Zanzibar is to the world”. Bearing all the above in mind it should be able to see how these events play a special role, given that this year’s theme is “Waves and Visions of Hope”.
According to Mhando this is most appropriate because they often draw strength from the experiences of others brought to them through ocean travel, which reinforces awareness of the shared histories of communities, nations and cultures. Another interesting element connected to these races he said was that naming rights for the awards given to winners are open to the corporate world and sponsors.
This sponsorship opportunity, he maintains is a way for businesses and organisations to celebrate the masters of a trade that is the emblem of international communication, multiculturalism, peace and skills as well as Swahili culture.
As the longest running film festival in East Africa, Mhando says having a global credibility and instant Pan-African recognition falls in line with their mission to promote and showcase the culture of the dhow countries.
In this desire the festival’s programme gives particular prominence to the visibility and interests of women, children and the youth. The main panorama features international film, video screenings and international retrospectives, along with music and performances, main stage events, exhibitions, workshops and seminars.
There is always the proverbial dhow race and a selection of BM to keep the package, if nothing else, immediately identifiable with the land of its origin.
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