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ziff 2019
“KUMEKUCHA” “THE NEW DAWN”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 October 2018
Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) announce new directorshipThe Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is East Africa’s largest film
and arts festival, exhibiting the latest and best films and promoting film
talents from across the African continent and beyond.
For its 22nd edition the festival is delighted to announce the new heads of
ZIFF, influential South African film duo Faith Isiakpere the new CEO, and
Firdoze Bulbulia, the Festival Director.
They will lead the festival’s extensive programme of work across film,
performance, music, workshops and children’s events, as well as the large-scale
outdoor films in the amphitheatre at the Old Fort for which the festival is
renowned. The pair will also add and develop new elements, curating innovative
pop-up events and providing training in media literacy, film curation and
filmmaking within Tanzania, ensuring that the festival continues to act as a
flagship arts organisation for East Africa.
Under their curatorial vision ZIFF will celebrate Pan-African ideals within the
creative industries with a focus on film, arts, culture and heritage. This will
be reflected in the South African phrase of Ubuntu - I am because you are - and
the interconnectedness of the pasts and futures of the African continent and
the diasporas. Alongside this focus on African and Black cinema the programme
will also showcase filmmaking styles from across the world, providing a space
for learning and exchange through film under the motto ‘each one, teach one’.
Both bring a wealth of experience to the festival and have worked in many
aspects of the film industry including producing and directing films, teaching
and lecturing in film and media, organising festivals and working to promote
children’s media across the continent and beyond. They have a long-standing
relationship with ZIFF and have been attending the festival for the last 20
years, serving on juries, curating events and supporting the organisation.
‘We find ourselves returning to ZIFF from our first visit in 1999 when we
hosted a workshop on the African Charter on Children’s Broadcasting to filming
with a young Zanzibari girl, for the “African Pen Pals” series we fell in love
with this beautiful island, its people, its histories, and its culture.
Zanzibar and the festival are embedded deep in our hearts and we are so excited
to take on this new challenge. We hope to propel the festival into its next era
enabling a convergence of imaginative thinkers from across the globe to share
their stories, whilst also learning from East African narratives. We want ZIFF
to act as a hub of cultural exchange for the betterment of filmmaking
everywhere’, states Festival Director, Firdoze Bulbulia.
They will drive a new artistic vision for the festival, bringing high quality
international productions, media partners, children’s content, and film
training, whilst still maintaining the focus and priority of showcasing and
supporting African cinema.
The next edition of ZIFF will take place between 6-14 July 2019 and will
comprise of a range of film screenings and complementary events across Zanzibar
island.
Media Contact: For further
information, screeners, press tickets, hi-res images and interviews please
contact: www.ziff2019.org
Notes: Firdoze Bulbulia and Faith Isiakpere are Co-Directors of Moments
Entertainment. Bulbulia is a director, producer, writer and educator. She has
worked in many development programmes, particularly for child rights, and was
involved in the establishment of the South African Charter on Children’s Rights
as well as The Africa Charter on Children’s Broadcasting that has been adopted
by all African & Commonwealth Broadcasters. She is the chairperson of The
Children & Broadcasting Foundation (CBFA) and Former President of CIFEJ (www.cifej.com) where she
served two mandates. She continues to train producers, broadcasters and media
professionals and is a sought-after speaker, presenter and participant at
global media events. Isiakpere has worked internationally for many broadcasters
including Thames TV, Channel 4, Central TV, and as a Senior Producer for the
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). He is a Life Member of the British
Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and has produced and directed many
feature films, documentaries, dramas, and music videos. He has worked with
amongst others President Mandela, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba.
He is a highly respected filmmaker, producer and seasoned broadcaster. Together
they have produced award winning films and documentaries and set-up ABC
(Africa’s Best Channel) in Nigeria and are currently working on Mandela's Africa.
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ziff 2019
“KUMEKUCHA”
“THE NEW DAWN”




