The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), in collaboration with ZG Films has today announced an exciting forum at this year’s ZIFF, Made In Zanzibar, which will see film-makers, broadcasters, policy makers, foreign film producers and tourism experts interact to discuss the potential of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a location to attract major film productions.
The workshop forum will discuss and explore opportunities, challenges and prospects of developing Zanzibar in particular, and Tanzania in general as a filming location in East Africa. The Forum will focus on issues relating to the barriers for developing Zanzibar as a filming location and how best can these barriers be overcome.
Made in Zanzibar, which will take place in Zanzibar on 11 July at the idyllic La Gemma dell’Est, has already found interest from as far afield as Australia, South Africa and the US whose film producers embrace an investment focus on film location development. Filmmakers, music production houses, TV and radio initiatives, advertising agencies, broadcasters and fixers attending the forum are being cited as potential beneficiaries.
The Forum’s Guest of Honor is expected to be His Excellency Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad, First Vice President of Zanzibar.
Made in Zanzibar will include industry experts and relevant players in the industry including 50 -60 invited guests – movers and shakers within the film industry, including those representing sectors complementary to the vibrant tourism industry. “It is the best gift ZIFF could give to nascent high-potential film makers in the country,” said Mahmoud Kombo, Chair of ZIFF, urging other industry stakeholders to grasp the opportunity.
Mario Van Peebles, a leading Hollywood Director will discuss why Tanzania as a location is yet to be on the radar for films. Is it all down to scripts, story lines or other factors driving location selection? What would it take to make Tanzania/Zanzibar an important location ? A leading Zanzibar based film producer and fixer, Javed Jafferji will speak of his experiences in Zanzibar and Tanzania while also sharing thoughts on the rapid rise and emerging trends of Bongo films. Chande Omar will speak on the advantage of having a production fund such as the Tanzania Film Commission and prospects for government support towards film funding.
Mehboob Champsi, a banker and financial advisor will discuss available funding options for film makers, contemporary approaches towards financing for creative industries, the crucial importance of marketing and distribution channels what will it take to make the arts a more attractive funding proposition. Ali Khahil Mirza, Executive Director of the Zanzibar Tourism Commission will explore what a flourishing home grown film industry would mean for Tourism with particular emphasis on developing enduring images to the outside world and the development of sovereign brand building.
An Australian film company, led by top producers, looking for potential venues for a major blockbuster film to be shot along the shores of Lake Tanganyika is also expected to attend the Forum.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is East Africa’s largest film and arts festival, showcasing a broad spectrum of African & International creativity on the theme When Global Images Meet in Zanzibar. The Festival will take place between 7-15 July 2012.
This is great news! Why isn't Tanzania attractive to filmmakers? Why do they flock to South Africa? Do you all realize how many times South Africa has filled in for East Africa?
ReplyDeleteHopefully something will come of this.