WATOTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - ZANZIBAR (4)

Festival start: 08 May 2025      Festival end: 11 May 2025

The Watoto International Film Festival - Zanzibar is currently accepting applications from filmmakers from around the world according to different categories of competition.

The Watoto International Film Festival - Zanzibar (WIFF Zanzibar) is East Africa’s first and largest Children's film and arts festival, exhibiting the latest and best films and promoting film talents from across the African continent and beyond.

The 1st Edition of WIFF Zanzibar will take place on 11th -14th March 2021 in Zanzibar.

The theme of the festival is 'Chei'Chei - Hello' and will prioritize African cinema and cinema from the African diaspora and the rest of the world.

WIFF Zanzibar also opens the call to films from different regions around the world.

Best Documentary

Best Animation

Best Music Video

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Screenwriter

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Fiction

Best Zanzibar movie

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.