How much of your continent do you know? Eventpaadi would like to take you on a tour to the African festival of Dhow countries; an event with a track record of shaping film making, music and dance, as well as arts and culture in the continent.
The Dhow countries in Africa are the ones who organize the African festival of Dhow countries. These countries include the west and central African nations, the north-east African nations, and African nations, as well as those on the horn of the map of Africa, Iraq, and Iran. Others are the subcontinent of India, the Indian oceans and the Persian Gulf.
Arts and culture from the continent of Africa are still a leading source of inspiration for the world. Little wonder the Dhow Africa festival leads other notable African festivals to showcase the exquisite landscape and cultural diversity that make the African people culturally resilient.
So let’s explore those interesting facts that will enlighten you and expose you to the unique and rich cultural diversity of the African continent.
Table of Contents
What is the Dhow?
You think the word ‘Dhow’ sounds familiar, isn’t it? However, it might interest you to know that the Dhow is an Arab maritime vessel, i.e., a sailing boat that has been used for ages for trade and transportation along Africa’s Indian Ocean coast. Dhows are made of wood and are recognizable by their streamlined, curved frames and distinctive triangle sails. They sail efficiently even in side-wind conditions because of the lateen rig. Although modern ships have replaced the Dhow, especially for commercial trade business, the Dhow is still being used for fishing, tourism and other cultural activities.
Nevertheless, the Dhow is of immense traditional and cultural significance for the people of the region, which has not only strengthened trade and transportation but has also forged critical lines of communication and tourism. Ever since, the Dhow has become an identity for the people of the region, hence the Dhow cultural festival.
Who is behind the African Festival of Dhow Countries?
Quite a number of important people, International organizations’, regional cultural institutions, and local community stakeholders can be implicated in this festival. But the main organizer of this annual event is the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
It may interest you to also know that ZIFF was founded in 1977 with the aim of advancing the economic and social development of that region through the growth of the film industry and the showcasing of associated artistic and cultural creatives.
According to Siyabona, an online Tanzania travel agent, Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on Unguja Island, which has made the festival one that is always a center of attraction globally.
The main attractions of the African Festival of Dhow Countries
The African festival of the Dhow countries is one date of the year that people in that region always look forward to not missing because of the experiences as well as the attractions they enjoy. Attendees are treated to interesting activities and presentations of performing arts, such as plays and concerts, different culinary traditions, and art exhibitions of both international and local artists. music and dance and especially screening of block buster films.
However, the main attraction of the event, starring on the last night of the event, is the Zanzibar International Film Festival Awards. Films of various categories would have been presented as entries to the body and afterward, at an agreed date, during the main night of awards, the winners of the various categories would be announced. Among the categories are: best feature film, best documentary film, best actor and actress East Africa, best actor and actress Tanzania, and The Sembene Ousmane Award for the Best Film for Development
The latest Edition 2024 of the African Festival of Dhow Countries
Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to let you into the latest gist for the 2024 edition that is scheduled for the 1st of August to the 4th of August? According to ZIFF’s official website, this year’s theme is tagged ‘Rejuvenation’. and it is expected that all film entries focus on this theme if they are to be considered among the best. In addition, this year’s edition is expected to reach over 5 million audiences spread across the continent and diaspora.
In conclusion, If you are looking to find a good place to spend your holiday in the month of August 2024, the Zanzibar International Film Festival is surely a place to be.
