Kilimanjaro film festival set to elevate Tanzanian cinemas

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s creative and tourism industries are poised for a major boost with the introduction of the Kilimanjaro Film Festival (KFF), a ground-breaking event announced by the Tourism Innovation Hub (TIHub).

Set to run from July 2–6, 2025, in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, the festival will merge the art of filmmaking with the allure of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the participants and visitors a unique cultural experience.

Against the scenic backdrop of Africa’s tallest mountain, the festival will feature screenings, music, dance, art, cuisine, and mountain climbing competitions.

It aims to rival Africa’s premier film festivals, such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). According to KFF Director Vicensia Shule, the festival is part of a larger initiative to connect Tanzania’s film and tourism industries.

She noted that Kilimanjaro, already a globally recognized tourist destination, provides the perfect platform to promote Tanzanian films to international audiences.

“Film is growing and needs systems to accelerate its progress. Kilimanjaro is renowned for tourism, so we decided to establish a film festival here to help films reach an international level,” said Ms Shule.

Unlike most festivals, KiliFilmFest focuses on African narratives and indigenous communities. Films have to tell authentic African stories, regardless of where they are produced.

Ms Shule highlighted that the goal is to preserve and celebrate stories from indigenous communities, which are often at the risk of being lost.

“We want to preserve and celebrate the stories of indigenous communities. For instance, the Hadzabe in Tanzania have rich narratives that must not be lost,” she said.

On the other hand, ZIFF Festival Director Hatibu Madudu encouraged Tanzanian filmmakers to take advantage of such festivals, emphasising their potential to provide financial benefits.

“These festivals are a vital source of income for filmmakers. If your film gets featured at a major festival, you can earn screening fees, which boost your income significantly,” he said.

Madudu further urged filmmakers to actively submit their works and seize the opportunities that festivals like KFF offer for learning, networking, and recognition.