The 2015 edition of the Maisha Lab is the seventh lab to be held in Zanzibar with ZIFF as the local partner. The Screenwriting Laboratory has been one of the most influential film training grounds in East Africa, inspiring regional filmmakers with over 1000 participants already having taken part in the training. Program director of the Kampala-based Maisha Film Lab, Fibby Kioria has explained that they expect to award 60 scholarships a year for the next three years to participants from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. These sponsorships are made possible with funding from Stichting Doen.
“In the eight day workshop, the 60 selected participants (15 from each country) will work with internationally renowned mentors to refine their work and broaden their horizons in the film business and the art of filmmaking. The winning script will receive an award of $5000 to produce their short film,” explains Kioria.
The official sponsors of ZIFF are also behind this initiative to develop skills amongst East-African filmmakers. Mandy Roger TV director at Zuku explains, “As a pay TV platform that promotes the art of filmmaking, Zuku is proud to be part of this initiative and promoting high caliber talent on our platform. Maisha Film Lab aims to seek, identify, nurture and promote creative talent among children and youth through hands on skills in development programs such as filmmaking, arts appreciation, organisation and presentation of cultural and creative events.”
ZIFF is committed to supporting Zanzibari filmmakers intending to apply and can offer assistance in ensuring the scripts are properly presented, thereby improving their chances of being selected. ZIFF will also offer assistance in Kiswahili.