THEME: AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

The ZIFF2026 film festival celebrates the cultural and artistic revival sweeping across the continent, showcasing a diverse array of films that reflect the rich heritage, contemporary struggles, and vibrant futures of African nations. The festival will feature films from across Africa and the African Diaspora, as well as global films that explore or reflect around the theme.

In addition to film screenings, the festival emphasises the importance of storytelling in preserving cultures and traditions while promoting social change. Special programs will spotlight emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling techniques, encouraging dialogue on issues ranging from environmental sustainability to gender equality. By uniting audiences and creators from across the continent and the diaspora, ZIFF2026 aims to inspire a new generation of artists, nurture cross-cultural partnerships, and ignite a renewed appreciation for Africa's contributions to global cinema. Together, we will celebrate the continent's vibrant past while embracing the possibilities of the future.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be given to the winning ‘In Competition’ films (shown during the festival only) according to the following categories:

Main Competition (International) Africa, Diaspora, and International Projects

- Outstanding International Feature Film
- Outstanding International Short Film
- Outstanding International Documentary (Feature)
- Outstanding International Documentary (Short)
- Outstanding Director
- Outstanding Actor
- Outstanding Actress

Zimbabwean Category

- Outstanding Feature Film
- Outstanding Short Film
- Outstanding Documentary (Feature)
- Outstanding Documentary (Short)
- Outstanding Actor (Feature Film)
- Outstanding Actress (Feature Film)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor (Short Film)
- Outstanding Supporting Actress (Feature Film)
- Outstanding Director (Feature Film)
- Outstanding Director (Short Film)

Zimbabwean Crew Certification Category

- Outstanding Original Screenplay
- Outstanding Costume Design
- Outstanding Makeup and Hairstyling
- Outstanding Original Score
- Outstanding Production Design
- Outstanding Sound Editing
- Outstanding Visual Effects
- Outstanding Cinematography
- Outstanding Lighting Design

Rules & Terms

Eligibility

Film Length: Features must be a minimum of 60 minutes, and shorts must be between 5 and 59 minutes.

Completion Date: Films must have been completed no later than 2021.

Genre: All genres are accepted.

Original Work: Submissions must be original works created by the filmmaker(s) and should not infringe on any copyrights.

Selection Process

- Selection Committee: All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee. Films will be evaluated based on storytelling, cinematography, direction, and overall impact.

- Notification: Filmmakers of selected films will be notified via email by a specified date.

Filmmakers of films not selected may not receive individual notifications.
Materials Required

- A high-quality screening copy of the film.
- A brief synopsis.
- A high-resolution film poster.
- A short biography of the director and key crew members.
- High-resolution stills from the film for promotional purposes.
- If available, a link to a trailer.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking