The Festival recognizes the importance of cinema and its role in cultural development. The films are screened in historic locations throughout Zanzibar Stone Town. For the international audience it is an opportunity to encounter the cultural vision of Dhow countries. Both fiction and documentary are equally encouraged. The festival accepts films and video productions submitted in a number of competition and non-competition categories.
Selection is according to the festival Rules and Regulations.
The films and Video productions in competition are judged by an invited international jury of nine members. Special prizes are also offered at the discretion of the Board of Trustees to individual productions or artists.