Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Film Award (EZMA) At Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), July 2018

The board of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation is delighted to announce the third award for the best film made by a Zanzibari up and coming filmmakers during The Zanzibar International Film festival (ZIFF), July 2018.

The theme this year will be Zanzibari Production and this award will focus on fictional films. The award comprises $1000, a trophy, framed certificate and a post-award celebration hosted by Emerson Spice Hotel. Our esteemed team of judges will be assessing films submitted through ZIFF. The worthy recipient will be honoured at ZIFF grand Award Ceremony on the Amphitheater in the Old Fort.

The Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation is a leading organisation honoring local film artists and the poet laureate, Mzee Haji Gora. The award is an important part of the on going legacy of the visionary Emerson Skeens, who co-founded the Zanzibar International Film Festival and Sauti za Busara music festival. He also co-established the Dhow Country Music Academy. Emerson also created the world famous boutique hotels, Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi.

The mission of the Emerson’s Zanzibar film Award is to recognize the unique and significant nature of the local film talent, which has emerged from the cosmopolitan island of Zanzibar. The award aims to inspire and promote Zanzibari film artists, who are pursuing their artistic vision in the archipelago, as well as promoting the culture and history of Zanzibar.

It is exciting to see the impact that the Emerson’s Zanzibar Film Award has had on the recipients ’professional lives and what they used the award money for. Salum Stika, the first recipient for his short film, Daladala went on to direct Binti Zanzibar, a Kiswahili feature film, which scooped four trophies, and 4,000,000 TSH from Azam TV Sinema Zetu Award. In an interview he gave on Zaima Television, Stika mentioned the Foundation huge influence on his success

Mbarouk Mussa, a forester and the second recipient for his inspiring documentary about Kokota island in Pemba has used the award to increase awareness of the important work he is doing on the island. Mbarouk was nominated for the prestigious BBC Outlook Inspiration Award:  www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p066pr27.

The award will continue to help talented Zanzibaris gain more recognition and the opportunities they need and deserve.

Additionally, The Emerson Foundation will present a Master Class for practising professionals and ‘’amateurs’’ alike within the creative sector, producers of creative/intellectual knowledge/property, cinematographers, editors, writers etc.

The goal of the class is to help practitioners protect and manage their creative/intellectual property rights, and therefore recognise their value for the growth of their business. The workshop will provide an overview of the copy right law and will draw on the participants’ experiences within the creative sector.

Co-ordinator: Said el-Gheithy, Chairperson, Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation

Consultant: Salum Stika, Zanzibar Association of Film Artists

Facilitator (s): Ms Mtumwa Ameir, Executive Director of the Copy Right Society, Zanzibar

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb