Commonwealth Foundation pioneers film festival exchange programme

Two world renowned film festivals are embarking on a pioneering exchange programme to share the best of the Commonwealth’s diverse films and cultures. The exchange, taking place between the Zanzibar International Film Festival, Tanzania, and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival will see films from one region screened at the other, in the first exchange of its kind to take place. The objective of the twinning, a model initiated and supported by the Commonwealth Foundation, is to maximise on the ability of both partners to promote and distribute African and Caribbean cinema to audiences throughout the Commonwealth, introducing them to new films, creating opportunities for networking and building lasting bridges among key film festivals. In order to achieve these goals, both festival directors will travel to their counterpart festival to learn about new ways of working and take away creative ideas. Directors and filmmakers will also take part in panel discussions and networking events. Seven films chosen by Dr. Bruce Paddington, Director of TTFF, will be shown at the Festival of Festivals programme at ZIFF 2010.

“I am very excited that the Trinidad and Tobago film festival is able to be a part of such an exciting new initiative. We look forward to learning from ZIFF, one of Africa's leading film festivals, and sharing experiences so that TTFF10 can continue to lead the exhibition of film in the English speaking Caribbean".

Dr. Bruce Paddington, Director of TTFF

“We are delighted to support this innovative partnership between two festivals. The Audiences should have access to a wider range of cultural offerings from Commonwealth countries and we have worked with both festivals individually for a number of years now. Making links between them is the next step in giving greater exposure to some of the great films being made today throughout the Commonwealth.”

Dr Mark Collins, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation

The first phase of the exchange will take place at the Zanzibar International Film Festival taking place from 10 to 18 July 2010. About ZIFF ZIFF is East Africa’s largest film, music and arts festival, bringing new talents together from all over the world. Each year, some of the most captivating and cutting-edge cinema from Africa and beyond is screened in venues across the island. From world-premiers to local shorts, we've got it all, with a long history of showcasing the highest quality film from all over the world. Films are submitted based on a yearly theme - this year is 'Hopes in Harmony' - and entered into various categories and competitions. Screenings from the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival will be taking place on 13 July from 14.00 to 17.30 at ZIFF 2010. For other screening times and the full festival schedule please visit http://www.ziff.or.tz/ About TTFFThe Trinidad and Tobago film festival seeks to highlight excellence in filmmaking. TTFF is a cutting-edge Caribbean film festival that continues to evolve and expand in celebrating expression and empowerment through film. With a series of well-organized workshops and events, TTFF is quickly emerging as the premium film festival of the Caribbean. http://www.trinidadandtobagofilmfestival.com