Uniqueness of Zanzibar
Julie: So what kind of a place is Zanzibar?
Martin: “Since the early 20th century,
Zanzibar has been an autonomous island
loosely joined with mainland Tanzania.
Due to its unique geography, Zanzibar has
developed a matchless sense of tolerance
for multicultural and multiracial civilizations throughout its history. Arabic rule
and colonial past aside, the demographic
realities of Zanzibar today reflect the
cosmopolitan qualities different from,
shall we say, the mainstream of African
image, which forms an essential part of
social life of the Swahili Coast.
Like most complex and living things, in
fact, Zanzibar refuses to be thrust into
neat bags. My home is an extremely
lively island immersed in the spirit of
Dhow Countries. Like the ancient Silk
Road, Dhow is about connecting different
peoples and cultures.”
Julie: Zanzibar, ZIFF, is relevant in today’s
globalizing world?
Martin: “A film festival always creates a
community around it. If not, it’s the first
sign of its failure. What does ZIFF stand
for? ZIFF is for people who feel about
Zanzibar and its larger context and environment, about African people, especially
our women and children. I want ZIFF to
be a home for African voices.” >>
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