The "ZIFF Goes Mainland" program, a joint initiative by the European Union and its Member States in collaboration with the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), concluded its third annual edition on Thursday, November 23, at the Goethe Institute in Dar es Salaam.

This cultural exchange program aims to screen ZIFF-winning films alongside European movies, aiming to cultivate a deeper appreciation and analytical understanding of film among diverse audiences. Throughout its three-year run, "ZIFF Goes Mainland" has expanded ZIFF's influence beyond Zanzibar to Tanzania's mainland, predominantly targeting educational and cultural institutions

This year's closing night featured the Ukrainian film “Luxembourg, Luxembourg”, symbolizing solidarity with the Ukrainian people amid ongoing conflict. Andrii Pravednyk, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, who is also accredited to Tanzania attended the ceremony. The event was attended by various embassies  including Ms. Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania, and Member States’ ambassadors from Finland, Poland and Ireland. Ambassador Grau reiterated the EU's support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, while Ambassador Pravednyk expressed gratitude for the EU's assistance to Ukraine.

The festival kicked off in Dar es Salaam on November 3 at the Alliance Française, following an announcement at a press conference on October 26. It was screened at several universities, including the University of Dar es Salaam, Kampala University in Dar es Salaam, and the Bagamoyo Institute of Culture in Bagamoyo.

The festival also served as a platform to promote the Erasmus Mundus scholarship opportunities for studying in Europe to students.