SOTAMBE Zambia International Film Festival (ZAMIFF) is run by the SOTAMBE Film Institute and it was established in 2014 on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. In a local language SOTAMBE means "come and watch".

ZAMIFF is the biggest film Festival in Zambia promoting Southern African Filmmakers and it is known for its hospitality and networking opportunities.

In 2022, during the 9th edition of the Festival, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts elevated the Festival to the Zambia International Film Festival. To celebrate the growth of the Festival and our 10th anniversary, we introduced BUSINESS ARENA - Content Market as a part and parcel of the Festival.

The 13th edition of the biggest film festival in Zambia is now open for Entries!
See you at the Festival and Business Arena from 22 – 26 September 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia!

Awards & Prizes

We are awarding the following categories:
1. Best Music Video (Southern Africa)
2. Best Advert (Southern Africa)
3. Best Cinematography (Southern Africa)
4. Best Soundtrack (Southern Africa)
5. Best Screenplay (Southern Africa)
6. Best Animation (Southern Africa)
7. Best Short Film (Southern Africa)
8. Best Documentary (Southern Africa)
9. Best TV Drama/Series (Southern Africa)
10. Best Feature Film (Southern Africa)
11. Best Actor in Feature Film (Southern Africa)
12. Best Actress in Feature Film (Southern Africa)
13. Best Director (Southern Africa)
14. Best Zambian Feature Film
15. NAMA Upcoming Filmmaker Award (Zambia)
16. SOTAMBE Achievement Award (Zambia)
17. Best Short Film (International)
18. Best Feature Film (International)

Note 1: Southern African Countries are ALL SADC countries, namely: Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Note 2: For the Category to be active, it needs to have minimum of 10 entries.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rebekah Louisa Smith

    A lovely festival who really care about their filmmakers and screen very high quality films from fantastic up and coming filmmakers. Thrilled to have had ‘FATHER’S DAY’ screen at the festival this year

    October 2024
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  • Benita Jacques

    The experience at the Zambia International Film Festival (ZAMIFF) in 2023 was simply superb! Our film "Africa, Cradle of Humanity and Modern Civilizations" was officially selected - out of competition. Communication and networking are truly at the heart of this festival, offering an exceptional platform to showcase the talent and diversity of African cinema. I highly recommend this festival to all cinema and cultural exchange enthusiasts.

    February 2024
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  • James Whitelaw

    I was thrilled to have my film "A Walk On The Wild Side" selected for this prestigious International film festival hosted in the heart of Africa, Zambia. It was in it's 10th year this year and they added a market to the festival, which was so good to be a part of. The communication was first class, far better than most of the bigger festivals I have been part of. The organisation was incredibly good, the hosting warm and welcoming, and the speakers at the various workshops were excellent. I really can't wait for the next one!!

    October 2023
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  • Guido Galante

    Festival molto interessante e ben strutturato ed organizzato. È stato un piacere ed un onore partecipare. Un sentito ringraziamento a tutti!

    January 2023
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  • Mpho Dintwa

    Keep it up, really enjoyed it.

    November 2022
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