Rules and Regulations of the Ziguinchor International Film Festival (ZIFFA)
2025 Edition
1.
Presentation of the Festival
The Ziguinchor Film Festival and Animation (ZIFFA) is an annual event dedicated to promoting independent, emerging, and socially conscious cinema. Its goal is to showcase the artistic voices of the Casamance region, Senegal, Africa, and the world through a diverse and inclusive program.
The next edition will be held in Ziguinchor (Senegal) from November 12 to 15, 2025.
Accepted film categories
Submitted films must fall into one of the following categories:
Official Competition – Short Film
Duration: maximum 30 minutes, including credits
Official Competition – Feature Film
Duration: more than 1 hour 30 minutes
Animated Film
Short or feature-length animated film, all techniques accepted
School Film / New Generation
Produced as part of audiovisual training (film school, workshop, or self-production by young talents under 30)
Two geographical sub-categories
Regional Competition
• Film produced in Senegal or West Africa or by a Senegalese or West African filmmaker
• Films shot in Senegal or addressing regional themes are encouraged
International Competition
• Film made in any other country
Conditions of participation
• The film must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
• Language: all films are accepted, but French or English subtitles are mandatory.
• Each participant may submit up to two films.
• The film must not have been screened at more than five Senegalese festivals prior to ZIFFA.
Required documents
Each application must include:
1. Completed registration form
2. Link to view the film (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc., with password if necessary)
3. Technical specifications (PDF or Word)
4. Short and long synopsis
5. Director's biography (max. 500 words)
6. Photos from the film (min. 2, HD)
7. Film poster (if available)
Important dates
• Applications open: [date to be inserted]
• Applications close: [date to be inserted]
• Official selection announced: [date to be inserted]
• Festival in Ziguinchor: [date to be inserted]
Awards and distinctions
Awards will be presented in each category (regional and international):
• Best short film
• Best feature film
• Best animated film
• New Generation Award
• Special mentions from the jury
• Audience Award
Prizes may include cash awards, residency grants, or partner screenings.
Participant commitments
By submitting a film, the applicant:
• Certifies that they hold the rights to broadcast the work
• Authorizes the festival to screen the film during the event
• Authorizes the use of excerpts (30 seconds max) and images for the purpose of promoting the festival
Technical aspects
The formats accepted for the final screening are:
• MP4 (H.264) or MOV, minimum HD quality (1920x1080)
• Stereo or 5.1 audio
• Screening copies must be sent at least 10 days before the festival
Submission and contact
Registration is via the festival's official website:
www.ziffa.sn (or a Google Form / FilmFreeway depending on the means available).
Contact email: festival.ziffa@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +221 [number]
Final provisions
• The selection committee reserves the right to refuse any work that does not comply with the rules
• No complaints will be accepted regarding the jury's decisions
• Submission of a film implies full acceptance of these rules
