Kenyan films dominate at the 2025 Zanzibar International Film Festival

The 28th edition of the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) was held from June 25 to June 29, 2025, in the historic Stone Town of Zanzibar and proved to be a triumphant showcase for Kenyan cinema.

Known widely as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, ZIFF has established itself as East Africa’s largest film and cultural event, drawing filmmakers, actors, and industry stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

This year’s festival, themed “Where Hope Takes Root,” was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and cultural identity and Kenyan filmmakers rose to the occasion, earning high praise and coveted awards across several categories.

Among the top honours, Kenyan feature film Kileo was named Best East African Film, sci-fi series Subterranea took home Best Drama East Africa, and Jimmi Gathu was named Best Actor in a Drama Series East Africa for The Chocolate Empire

"This award is a testament to the passion, grit, and creativity of the entire Subterranea team,” said producer Brian Munene. 

“From our incredible cast to our visionary crew, everyone gave their all to bring this bold, original story to life. We are deeply honoured to be recognised at ZIFF, and we hope this win will inspire even more daring, authentic African storytelling to take center stage,” he added. 

Adding to the celebration, the legendary Jimmy Gathu was recognised for his powerful performance in crime drama The Chocolate Empire. Jimmy stars as JB Mauzo, a once-powerful tycoon fresh out of prison, as he rebuilds his life and mends his fractured family, all while secretly operating a high-end escort service from his exclusive cigar club.

The Chocolate Empire’s director and producer Grace Kahaki added: "Jimmy Gathu’s performance as JB Mauzo embodies the complexity and nuance we wanted to explore in the show.

This recognition at ZIFF is a win not just for him but for the entire cast and crew. We are proud to showcase stories that highlight Nairobi’s vibrancy and the diverse talents of our region."

Kenya's winning streak continued on the global stage. At the prestigious Raindance Film Festival in London, the country’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, Nawi, captured both Best International Feature and Best Performance in a debut feature.

The latter was awarded to the film’s breakout star, Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, whose nuanced performance anchored the coming-of-age drama and left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.