TEHRAN- Four Iranian films will compete in different sections of the 27th edition of Zanzibar International Film Festival, which will run in Tanzania from August 1 to 4. 

“Killing A Traitor,” the latest film by the veteran filmmaker Masoud Kimiai, will go on screen at the main section of the festival. 

The film narrates a story about the time when the Iranian Oil Industry was to be nationalized. When the Iranian government faced budget deficits because the entire world stopped acquiring oil from the country, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh asked the people for support. To help the Prime Minister, a group of university students decided to rob the National Bank of Iran.

Amir Aghai, Poulad Kimiai, Mehran Modiri, Farhad Aiish, Sara Bahrami, Narges Mohammadi, Pante’a Bahram, Reza Yazdani, and Sam Derakhshani act in the 120-minute film that was made in 2022.

Additionally, Iranian shorts “Side by Side” by Amir Raisian, “Nietzschean Suicide” by Payam Kordestani and “Foot Print” by Mostafa Alami will also be screened at the festival. 

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is an annual celebration held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and stands as one of the largest cultural events in East Africa. Founded in 1997 as a non-governmental organization, ZIFF aims to develop and promote film and other cultural industries as catalysts for regional social and economic growth.

Recognized as Eastern Africa's premier multi-disciplinary arts and cultural festival, ZIFF showcases a diverse array of films, music, and community initiatives. Each year, the festival presents over 100 films from Africa, West Asia, Europe, Latin America, the U.S., and Asia, with a particular emphasis on works originating from Africa and created by Africans, including those in the African Diaspora.

Dedicated to enhancing the visibility of African culture through film, ZIFF celebrates centuries of communication between the diverse peoples of the Indian Ocean and those in East Africa. The festival encourages creativity, excellence, and a deeper understanding of African arts and cultures. Organized by a non-profit organization established in 1998, ZIFF is committed to promoting and showcasing the rich heritage of the Dhow Countries.

Photo: A scene from “Killing A Traitor,” by Masoud Kimiai

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