The Zanzibar International Film Festival marked two decades last weekend and the occasion was celebrated with the premier of T-Junction, as the opening film. Produced by Kijiweni Production and directed by Amil Shivji, T-Junction is an example of how far Tanzania’s film industry has come and illustrates the merging of independent film with mainstream bongo movies. Former president Jakaya M. Kikwete, who was the guest of honour, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his contribution towards the creative arts and for pushing the festival’s visibility in the past 20 years.
In his speech, he congratulated the organisers and former festival chief executive Martin Mhando and founding board members Fatma Alloo and Hassan Mitawi for establishing an international platform respected by film industry stakeholders in Africa and beyond.
