Women's Panorama 2011 at the Zanzibar International Film Festival

The Women’s Panorama at the Zanzibar International Film Festival is a program of cinema designed especially for the women of Zanzibar.

ZIFF, which runs from 18-26 June 2011, is now in its 14th year and is the largest of its kind in East Africa. It is renowned the world over for putting African film, music, art and design at the forefront of the international scene.

Films included in the Women's Panorama are followed by facilitated discussions and debates around the themes of the films.

The activities in the program are selected to establish the visibility of women in cinema, media and the arts in a positive light, as well as a means of education and self-expression.

As part of this Women’s Panorama Educational Program, a docu-drama called Positive and Pregnant, will be premiered in Africa at ZIFF. This is part of an outreach project through the Dhow region, to educate people living in rural areas about the dangers of unprotected sex and increase awareness for the Prevention of Mother/Parent to Child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

There are a number of films lined up by female directors including Traces of the Trade where first-time documentary-maker, Katrina Brown uncovers the dark past of her ancestors as the largest slave-trading family in American history.

The Women’s Panorama activities, which will take place on the islands of Unguja and Pemba, are supported throughout the year with monthly forums and events. The empowerment of women in rural and urban Zanzibar is a key social concern.

The ZIFF Panorama and Forums will raise a number of important women's rights issue - including legal matters, social practices, gender-based violence and policy questions.

FOLLOW THE FILMS AND EVENTS IN THE WOMEN'S PANORAMA PROGRAM