IIFF 2023 Call for Films

IIFF 20th Edition 2023!

The International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) theme for 2023 is WOMEN OF HOPE! The theme explores the stories of women who embark on their journey of fulfilment for themselves and society after deciding which path to take at the crossroads. They are hopeful that at the end of the path they will realize their goals and achieve their many different and complex dreams in ways that benefit themselves and society, no matter their station in life.

Founded in 2002, International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) is an annual festival held in Harare that exhibits films which portray a woman in at least one major role, thus providing role modelling for African women to observe other women in film being active, displaying agency and impacting positively on their own lives and communities.

IIFF films allow for engagement with women's problems and lives, as well as an explanation of women to the male community, encouraging tolerance and understanding. All IIFF screenings at both urban and rural venues are followed by group discussions on the gender issues portrayed in the respective films Over the years IIFF has developed into a hub where women film-makers network. 

The International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) 2023 under the theme WOMEN OF HO\PE! The theme "Seeks to explore the stories of women who are still on their journey after deciding on which path to take at the crossroads, they are hopeful that at the end of the path they will achieve their goals and realize their many different and complex dreams, no matter their station in life."

The Festival is calling for features, documentaries and shorts in all genres and durations for the main competition as well as non-competition and special competitions categories. To be eligible for the main competition, films must feature a woman in one of the three leading roles.

Prizes are awarded in the following categories:

WORLD VIEW

Presented for the most progressive film that in the judgement of the jury offers local viewers an opportunity to see the world outside the one in which they live.

BEST FILM IN THE NEW MAN CATEGORY

Presented in honour of the best film that portrays most positively relationships and collaboration of men with women.

BEST AFRICAN FILM

Presented to the Best African film at IIFF that adequately portrays the spirit of the festival

ZIMBABWEAN SECTION:

Best Zimbabwean documentary - Presented to the best Zimbabwean documentary that reflects the spirit of IIFF.

Best Zimbabwean film - Presented for the best Zimbabwean film that most adequately reflects the spirit of IIFF.

Best talent in a Zimbabwean film – Presented for the best Actor/Actress in a Zimbabwean film.

MAIN COMPETITION :

Audience prize - Presented to the film that IIFF audiences have judged to best reflect the spirit of IIFF.

Best documentary - The award is given to a documentary film in the festival competition that most aptly captures the essence of women who have remained alive against all odds in a powerful and engaging way.

Best script - Presented for the most skillful writing in a feature film that adequately portrays the spirit of IIFF. Entries are judged based upon the following criteria Concept, Presentation, Structure, Plot, Pacing, Characters, Dialogue, Theme, Style, Overall Quality of Screenplay.

Best cinematography - Presented to the film whose photography best enhances the story and conveys it to the audience through use of the visual medium.

Download film submission form