A Historic Year for IYMS in Africa, Embracing Our Shared Ancestry

Honoring the last year of the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent

When celebrating the contributions that came from the continent of Africa, we would include the use of fire, the first tools, astronomy, jewelry, fishing, mathematics, crops, art, use of pigments, and animal domestication.

But we can all take part in that celebration. Scientific evidence suggests that all modern humans are descended from an African population of Homo sapiens that spread out from Africa about 60,000 years ago.

We therefore would like all of our delegates to embrace their common ancestry as “people of African Descent”, and in our time together learn more about the continent that gave birth to human civilization.

Zanzibar is throwing open its doors to welcome the family home.

Delegate Categories

IYMS explores seven issues:  Discrimation, Environment, Health, Poverty, Violence, Women’s Rights and Youth Empowerment. Each delegate will be assigned to an issue group, and the group will research that issue with an Issue Mentor, and then write and produce a short film about solutions for that issue.

Youth Delegates: We welcome delegates 16+ years of age in one of two categories.

• Filmmakers: you have experience creating videos, animations or films and are eager to work with others who share your passion.
• Diplomats: you are a journalist, activist, writer or diplomat-in-training. You love researching the issues and articulating positions for positive action.

Experienced Advisors: We welcome filmmakers, diplomats and educators to apply to be an Advisor.

• Advisors: Serve the youth in the issue groups in a variety of ways, depending on their area of expertise. Advisors are skilled at being able to listen, understand and let youth take the lead. They make their first priority the safety and success of their young delegates.

About ZIFF

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), also known as Festival of the Dhow Countries, is an annual film festival held in Zanzibar, Tanzania and one of the largest cultural events in East Africa. ZIFF is a non-governmental organization established in 1997 to develop and promote film and other cultural industries as a catalyst for the regional social and economic growth.

About ZAIF

ZAIF is a modern African training platform that works with storytelling through film. It was established in Zanzibar by the film and arts community in 2019 as a training and networking organization dedicated to developing creative talent, professionalizing filmmaking and connecting the industry in East Africa to the world.

The Teen International Media Exchange

The Teen International Media Exchange (TIME) is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization created after the events of 9/11 to help young people from different countries bridge cultural, ethnic and religious divides by collaborating on film projects that reflected concerns about their lives.  Founded in the fall of 2001, TIME organized two in-country exchanges with So. Korea and Belize, and dozens of online projects with Scotland, Afghanistan, Armenia, Israel and Palestine.  TIME founded the International Youth Media Summit in 2006 and hosted the first and ninth Summits in Southern California.

Where: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It retains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium.

ZIFF keeps alive the culture of Stone Town. Supporting IYMS means Finding Identity with the World!

Zanzibar African Youth Arts Festival (ZAYAF) is a celebration of young African talent, dedicated to advancing gender equality, social justice, and combating climate change. Aligned with the 2024 IYMS Summit theme, we honour the final year of the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent by providing a platform for young Africans to impact the future.

The festival promises 2 amazing days of music performances, captivating dance showcases, thought-provoking art exhibitions, and a vibrant fashion show, all presented by talented African artists. Delegates also have the opportunity to participate in enriching art and dance classes, fostering creative skills and cultural exchange.

Preliminary Schedule

Cost of Attending

Delegates will be charged 900 USD for the two-week Summit (arrival on July 21, departure on August 5). This payment will cover:

1. Transportation to and from the airport.
2. Housing (two to three delegates per room – those desiring a single room can pay extra)
3. Three meals a day, with special diets available.
4. The excursion.
5. All special events: The Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and Talent Show and dance parties.

These are ‘hard costs’ and we cannot waive this fee. Delegates will be provided with official invitation documents to use for their fundraising efforts, as well as fundraising suggestions.  Beyond those things, IYMS cannot take any responsibility for helping delegates to raise their funds.

Delegates will need to pay their own round trip flights to Tanzania/Zanzibar from their home cities, and any passport or visa costs.

Please note: Delegates who have been chosen for the Summit will need to pay a $100 deposit to hold their spot no later than 14 days after they receive their selection letter.

Visas

Please check now and see how you can obtain a visa for Tanzania.  For delegates who are accepted, we will be providing a letter for your visa appointment, stating you have been invited to the Summit.

More information available at:

• https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/entry-requirements
• https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/