Just the name Zanzibar conjures up positive and mythical images – long known as a hub of trade, communications, and a true cultural melting pot – Zanzibar is one of Africa’s top tourism destinations – and for good reason.

The annual WATOTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF ZANZIBAR (WIFF ZANZIBAR 2021) will present 300+ films to students, people with disabilities, tourists, investors, directors, producers, suppliers, locals as well as other audience over 4 days in March 2021
The screenings will take place in more than 4 venues across Unguja Island, Zanzibar.
And also there will be workshops, charities, exhibitions, training, cultural exchange, numerous on-stage performance as well as the awards ceremony.
Every cent raised from sponsors and donors ensures the widest possible accessibility of high- quality international screenings and cultural events to all sections of the Zanzibar population

Awards & Prizes

Best Screenwriter
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Fiction movie
best African movie
Best Zanzibar movie
best animation
best documentary

Rules & Terms

Please read these rules & regulations for submission very carefully PRIOR to submitting your film for consideration.

1. All films must be suitable for an audience of up to 13 years old.

2. All entries must be in English or Swahili (official languages of the festival) or – SUBTITLED, DUBBED, regardless of the country of production, unless special arrangements have been made with the festival.

3. We accept films only from authors or their authorized representatives who have written permission from the author. All videos, soundtracks, texts, and music used in the film should not violate copyright law. You may be asked to supply documentation supporting your claim. Violation of copyright is a sufficient justification for the exclusion of the film from participation in the festival.

4. By sending your film to participate in our festival, you agree that your trailer will be uploaded to our website and our pages on social networks, as well as will be shown live on TV channels of partners of the Festival as a part of the festival exhibition.

5. Multiple entries are permissible, but each entry must be accompanied by a separate Entry and fee. – There is no limit as to how many films you can submit. However, each film can only be submitted once in one single category. If your film is suiting in more than one category, then please choose the one you find most suitable.

6. There are no premiere requirements. Your film may have screened before.

7. Films that have distribution are still eligible for submission.

8. All documentary, animation, fiction films, created by professionals and enthusiasts not earlier than January 1, 2019, are welcome to participate in the contest.

9. Submissions will not be returned. All fees are nonrefundable.

10. Submitting is not a guarantee of being programmed. Our jury screens the films PRIVATELY (meaning: it’s not a public screening!). Only officially selected films we’ll screen at our annual event.

11. No inquiries or arguments will be entertained regarding non selected films. The decision from the festival selection committee will be final.