UNICEF brings children's voices to the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Zanzibar, Tanzania – Amid the vibrant energy of the 29th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), where filmmakers, artists and creatives gathered under the theme "AI and the Art of Storytelling," a different kind of story was unfolding.

For the first time, UNICEF participated in East Africa's premier film festival through an interactive exhibition that invited visitors to explore issues affecting children and young people across Tanzania. Through engaging videos, educational games and publications, the exhibition transformed curiosity into conversations about children's rights, wellbeing and protection.

Held at Wakfi of Wangazija compound, situated at the heart of Stone Town from 24–28 June 2026, hundreds of festival goers stopped by the UNICEF booth to test their knowledge through interactive games, others were drawn in by powerful videos showcasing UNICEF's work with children, young people and communities. Many lingered longer than expected, asking questions, sharing experiences and learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing children in Tanzania.

For UNICEF Youth Advocate Nabiha Kassim, who helped engage visitors throughout the festival, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring.

"Although many people have heard of UNICEF, not everyone understands the impact of its work or its role in supporting children and young people. Through this exhibition, I saw how simple conversations helped people better understand issues affecting children and inspired them to think about how they can contribute to positive change," said Nabiha.

As a mental health and sexual and reproductive health advocate, Nabiha witnessed firsthand the power of dialogue. The exhibition created a welcoming space where young people and adults alike could openly discuss issues ranging from child protection and education to mental health and youth empowerment.

Salum Omar Ahmed, a U-Reporter who was also engaging with the audience in the booth, was equally inspired by the festival's celebration of creativity and innovation. U-Report is UNICEF's digital platform that empowers young people to share their views, access information, and participate in discussions on issues affecting their lives, helping amplify youth voices and inform decision-making.

"Seeing filmmakers, writers and directors from different backgrounds come together to share ideas showed me how powerful storytelling can be in connecting people and driving conversations that matter. I left feeling inspired by the thought meaningful change often begins with a conversation, a story, or a single idea shared with others," Salum reflected.

Honorable Hamza Hassan Juma, Minister of State in the Second Vice President's Office of Zanzibar, acknowledged UNICEF's efforts to bring children's issues into one of the region's most influential film platforms.

"The Zanzibar International Film Festival provides a unique opportunity to connect with diverse audiences. UNICEF's participation demonstrates how storytelling can be used to raise awareness about children's rights and wellbeing. We remain committed to working together to ensure communities have the information and knowledge needed to protect and support every child," said Hon. Hamza Hassan Juma.

For many visitors, the exhibition provided a new perspective on UNICEF's work.

Issa Ussi Mwadini, a university student from Zanzibar described the experience as both educational and engaging. "I knew UNICEF worked with children, but I did not realize how many different areas they support, from education and health to protection and youth development. The games made learning fun, and the videos helped me understand the real challenges children face," he said.

Loui Alexander, a filmmaker attending the festival, reflected on the role of creative industries in driving social change. "Stories are powerful because people remember them. The exhibition reminded me that filmmakers and artists have a responsibility to tell stories that can inform, educate and inspire action,” he said.

The festival's focus on artificial intelligence and storytelling also resonated strongly with young people visiting the booth. Discussions explored how new technologies can be harnessed responsibly to create content that informs and empowers communities while amplifying children's voices.

By bringing child rights advocacy into a space traditionally associated with film and entertainment, UNICEF demonstrated how culture and creativity can become powerful tools for social change.