Lusaka International Film Festival (LusakaIFF)
Zambia's most important film festival, held annually in Lusaka, presenting Zambian and African cinema and supporting the growth of filmmaking in southern Africa's most centrally located nation.
Overview
The Lusaka International Film Festival is Zambia's most important film festival. Founded in 2012 and held annually in Lusaka, the festival presents Zambian and African cinema and supports the development of filmmaking in one of southern Africa's most strategically central nations.
Zambia's landlocked position at the geographic heart of southern Africa -- bordering eight countries including Tanzania, DRC, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique -- gives the festival natural connections with multiple African film traditions. The country's copper mining heritage and its post-independence political stability have created a growing middle class audience for cinema.
The festival reflects Zambia's ambition to build a sustainable film culture alongside the more established industries in South Africa, Nigeria, and East Africa.
Key Sections
- Zambian Film Competition -- new Zambian features and shorts
- Southern African Panorama -- films from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and neighboring nations
- African Film Program -- films from across the continent
- International Program -- curated international films
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
What Filmmakers Should Know
The festival accepts open submissions. For Zambian filmmakers, this is the most important domestic platform. For southern African filmmakers, the festival provides a central regional gathering point.
Major Awards
- Best Zambian Film -- jury prize
- Best Southern African Film
- Audience Award
Festival History
LusakaIFF was founded in 2012 and has operated as Zambia's primary film cultural event.
See Also
For southern African cinema, see International Film Markets. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
