WHO ARE WE?

Film Lab Zanzibar (FLZ), is a training hub for African storytelling. We provide occasional tailor-made film labs and events for filmmakers in Tanzania & the Swahili world. Serving as an incubator for filmmakers, FLZ nurtures their creativity and confidence, empowering them to share their untold stories with the world in their own ways.

OUR MISSION

We pair well-experienced industry experts with aspiring filmmakers, fostering mentorship to enhance their creativity, professionalism and capability in producing impactful and high-quality content. Our partners are well-esteemed organizations, film schools and funding bodies. Through them, we connect to the global film community and initiate networking activities across Africa and beyond.

OUR VISION

We aim to foster team incubation, skill development and encourage entrepreneurship in film. Our particular emphasis is on creative documentary filmmaking while also engaging in animation and fiction projects.

Zanzibar is the center of Swahili culture and an exponent of multiculturalism. With the establishment of Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in 1998, Zanzibar became well known for its yearly event exposing film to a national and international audience. Film Lab Zanzibar adds since 2020 to the iconic cine-magic pull of the island, through training filmmakers from the region via short-term workshops or long-term residencies, all designed to cater for the specific needs of the industry.

Karibu Film Lab Zanzibar / Welcome to Film Lab Zanzibar

FILM STUDENTS AT FILM SCHOOL WORKSHOP – PRESENTATION OF THE FILM LAB ZANZIBAR IDEA, ZIFF 2017

FILM LAB ZANZIBAR

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

TRAINING & MENTORSHIP

We bring together seasoned experts and emerging filmmakers for a nurturing environment. This mentorship builds skill, confidence, and storytelling strength across generations and disciplines.

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

Through collaborations with respected film institutions and funders, FLZ connects East African Filmmakers to the global film community and facilitates opportunities across Africa and beyond.

SWAHILI FILM CULTURE

Zanzibar, with its rich Swahili heritage, is a cultural cornerstone. Since the founding of ZIFF in 1998, and with FLZ since 2020, the island has become a vibrant hub for African cinema, celebrating and preserving Swahili storytelling traditions while fostering innovation in contemporary filmmaking.