European Union and Member States Launch 2026 ZIFF Goes Mainland European Film Festival
The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Tanzania, in partnership with 10 EU Member States in Tanzania and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), is proud to officially announce the launch of the "ZIFF Goes Mainland: EU-MS Film Festival 2026". This year, the entire festival program is embracing the theme "Connecting Ecosystems – From the Digital Frontier to the Human Territory."
For the 5th time, the traveling film festival will bring premium cinema to five major cities across mainland Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Mwanza, Iringa, Dodoma, from October 20 to December 2, 2026, offering free public screenings, and interactive panel discussions.
The programme was launched on October 19, 2026,at the Alliance Française in Dar Es Salaam with an Ambassadors’ Press Conference, where EU Heads of Mission of the 10 participating embassies and ZIFF executives outlined the strategic cultural goals of the festival. The official opening screening follows on October 20 at 6:30 PM at Alliance Française, featuring the ZIFF 2026 award-winning Nigerian sci-fi thriller, "A Land Apart".
Over the course of six weeks, the festival will feature cultural spotlights in Bagamoyo, Mwanza, Iringa, Dodoma and Dar Es Salaam. Hosted by individual EU Member States in a University or cultural centre, each evening will screen a ZIFF short film, the main European feature film, and open for a debate among participants.
This year one of our Team Europe Initiatives, SASA Green and Smart cities programme will also host one night in Mwanza to bring the programme closer to the population and promote culture in the city.
The "Connecting Ecosystems" theme expands upon ZIFF 2026’s central focus on AI and storytelling. The official selection features documentaries on digital diplomacy, side-by-side with fascinating cinematic narratives exploring humanity’s survival amid the climate friction.
"By framing this year's tour around 'Connecting Ecosystems', we want to bring today’s world discussions among young Tanzanians," noted the EU Delegation. "Cinema serves as an incredible lens to examine how digital frameworks and physical environments influence one another, ultimately reshaping our spaces and future."
The nights will also include a short Erasmus+ information session, introducing Tanzanian students to the European Union’s programme supporting education and international academic exchange. The sessions will highlight opportunities for scholarships and study in Europe, while encouraging more Tanzanian students to explore the programme and apply for available opportunities.