Written by ISSA YUSSUF

THE 18th edition of Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) kicked off here yesterday with the isles government promising to continue working closely with the annual festival management to develop the film industry.

Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein said at the opening of the 2015 ZIFF held at Double Tree By Hilton, Shangani Street that the isles was still a good place for film making, and that its good beaches, culture, and hospitality make the Islands a unique place for film making.

“This film festival is good for our economy; the government will continue working with ZIFF management to improve the industry,” he said in his speech read on his behalf by Zanzibar Second Vice-President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi.

Eid festival, the cultural festival, and the traditional Mwaka Kogwa festival are other events going on in Zanzibar this week, an opportunity for residents, visitors and the tourists to enjoy.

President Shein commended artists in the country and from abroad for good work in producing good films that compete in the global market as he appealed for being more creative. He said, “In addition to entertainment, film making provides employment to many people mainly youths.

Many people in the country now enjoy watching locally made films, instead of watching films made abroad. Let us support the local industry.”

Maud Roger from ZUKU Company said at the opening function that his company would continue supporting talented artists in the film industry for ‘quality’ films.