THE Tanzania Film Festival 2025 is set to be a ground-breaking event, with the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports in collaboration with Studio 19, launching the festival’s roadmap.

The next year’s festival aims to elevate the film industry by providing a platform for local filmmakers, artists, and storytellers to showcase their talent, foster creativity, and attract investment.

Speaking during the partners’ launch for the Tanzania Film Festival & Awards 2025 in Dar es Salam yesterday, Dr Gervas Kasiga, the acting executive secretary of the Tanzania Film Board, shared that the next year’s edition which is expected to feature a series of workshops and training sessions aimed at nurturing the skills of stakeholders.

He emphasized that the festival not only celebrates excellence in film but also promotes the business aspect of the industry, which is a significant source of employment.

“Film is business, and talent is one of the major areas that provide employment, making it crucial to nurture and promote,” he said.

Since its inception in 2021, the festival has witnessed growing participation and recognition of new talents, both locally and internationally. The festival has become a beacon for innovation in the industry, allowing local works to compete on global platforms.

He said the government, alongside stakeholders, is committed to ensuring that the festival becomes an increasingly attractive and impactful platform for social transformation.

Sama Jahanpour, director of Studio 19, highlighted the transformative power of storytelling in film.

He noted the evolving mediums of storytelling, from traditional methods to modern platforms like television and mobile phones, and stressed the importance of film in shaping public behaviours and fostering dialogue for positive change.

“The unique emotional engagement in films allows us to educate and model positive behaviour,” he added.

He said the Tanzania Film Festival & Awards 2025 seeks to leverage the dynamic potential of Tanzania’s film industry to not only foster cultural expression but also create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for youth. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the film sector has become a key player in the country’s economy.

The festival will also spotlight the role of storytelling in addressing critical social issues, promoting sustainable growth, and encouraging community engagement.

By aligning with national development priorities, the event seeks to unlock the creative potential of local filmmakers, while offering business and investment opportunities within the growing creative economy.

He said the event will feature a special “Award Week,” where filmmakers will showcase their works, and a Studio Tour will offer insight into the behind-the-scenes process of film production.

Brian Paul, Studio 19 director, presented a roadmap for making the 2025 festival unique, focusing on education, collaboration, and long-term industry development.

With initiatives aimed at engaging various sectors, the Tanzania Film Festival is poised to be a key driver of social and cultural transformation.

He encouraged stakeholders to get involved and help shape the future of Tanzania’s film industry, contributing to both its cultural and economic impact.