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 Tanzanite International Animation Festival

  An annual celebration of local and international animations and digital content 

Welcome to the Tanzanite International​ Animation Festival

East Africa’s premier animation Festival held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Tanzanite International Animation Festival (Tanzanite Festival) is an annual celebration of local and international animations. We brings together different creative minds, animators, studios, industry leaders, and storytelling enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the magic of animation.

In African tradition, stories have been passed down through generations around the fire. 

Today, we bring these stories to life on screen, connecting our past, present, and future through animation. Tanzanite Festival was founded to elevate Tanzanian and African animation while creating a bridge to the global industry.


Award Categories

2D Animation Short Film

This category is dedicated to outstanding 2D animated short films that showcase creativity, storytelling, and artistic excellence. We welcome submissions from both emerging and established animators and studios, spanning all genres and themes. 

3D Animation Short Film

This category is dedicated to outstanding 3D animated short films that showcase innovation in visual storytelling, character animation, and world-building. We welcome submissions from both emerging and established animators and studios, spanning all genres and themes.

Feature-Length Animation

This category celebrates feature-length animated films that showcase outstanding storytelling, artistic excellence, and technical mastery. Open to all animation styles from 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and experimental animation. This category welcomes submissions from both independent creators and established studios. The category highlights the power of animation in long-form storytelling. 

Animated Series & Web Animation

This category is dedicated to episodic animated content, including TV series pilots, web series episodes, and digital-first animations. Whether it's a short-form web animation, a compelling series pilot, or an ongoing animated show, this category celebrates innovative storytelling and characters across genres and styles, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and mixed media.  

Student Animation  

This category is dedicated to student-created animated films, celebrating fresh talent and innovative storytelling from the next generation of animators. Open to all animation styles including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and experimental animation. This category provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity and technical skills. Whether it's a short film, a series episode, or a unique animated experiment, this category highlights emerging voices in animation.  

  Animated Commercial

This category is dedicated to animated commercials, advertisements, promotional videos, and branded content that use animation to engage audiences and deliver compelling messages. Open to all animation styles, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and motion graphics. This category highlights the power of animation in marketing, storytelling, and visual branding.  

  Animated Visual Effects

This category celebrates the art of animated visual effects (VFX) used to enhance storytelling in films, commercials, music videos, and other media. Whether it's 2D, 3D, or mixed-media VFX. This category highlights the seamless fusion of animation and visual effects in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on screen.  

  Stop Motion

This category celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of stop-motion animation, where each frame is meticulously created by hand to bring characters and stories to life. Whether it’s claymation, puppetry, cut-out animation, or object animation, this category highlights the unique and tangible nature of stop-motion in all its forms.  

Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR)  

This category is dedicated to immersive animation experiences created through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). We welcome submissions that utilize cutting-edge technology to create innovative and engaging experiences that blend animation with interactive environments. From 360-degree animated films and VR worlds to AR-driven storytelling and installations. Eligibility: Submissions must be created using VR or AR technologies in animation or interactive experiences.  

 People's Choice 

The People’s Choice Award is a special category dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the talent, creativity, and impact of local Tanzanian creatives. This category gives the power to the public, allowing fans and supporters to vote for their favorite artist, animator, filmmaker, or creative professional. It’s an opportunity for creatives to showcase their work, engage with their audience, and gain well-deserved recognition within the industry. The nominee with the highest number of votes will be crowned the People’s Choice Winner, making this a true reflection of community support and appreciation.  

Experience  Tanzanite Festiv​al

Discover Our Experiences

🎬 Exclusive Film Screenings -Showcasing top-tier 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation.

🗣 Panel Discussions-Learning from industry pioneers.

💡 Pitching Sessions -Presenting projects to investors and producers.

🖼 Workshops & Exhibitions Showcasing breathtaking animated visuals.

🎤 Red Carpet & Networking- Connecting with key industry players.

🏆 Award Ceremony – Celebrating animation’s best talents.

🖼 Masterclass  - Advanced lessons with industry experts

🖼 Meet and Greet and Perfomances- Cultural ad mordern perfomances

SUBMISSION deadline COUNT​DOWN

Happy Odoo Anniversary!

As promised, we will offer 4 free tickets to our next summit.
Visit our Facebook page to know if you are one of the lucky winners.

Submit your project now

TANZANITE FESTIVAL’s Growing Legacy

As we gear up for TANZANITE FESTIVAL 2025, we continue our mission to uplift creatives, amplify African stories, and connect global audiences.

More information

1,089+

Submissions from 97 countries in our last edition.  



More attendees

Boost your experience with an increase in exciting activities.

10+

Major award categories celebrating diverse animation styles.

A platform for emerging and established creatives to showcase their work globally.

Meet our team

Dedicated professionals driving our success


Emilien A.HIRWA

Festival Director & lead Cordinator

Oversees festival planning, partnerships, and team management while managing submissions and programs as the festival’s main representative.


Ian tarimo

Festival Executive Director

oversees the long-term success of the festival by leading its strategic vision, event coordination, and team management. 


Idriss Mshoro

Marketing & Communications Manager

Leads marketing campaigns, media outreach, and social media while overseeing content creation and website updates.


Maria Hyera

Operations Lead

Oversees venue setup, event schedules, and festival policies while ensuring the seamless execution of all festival activities.


Gwamaka Mwabuka

Masterclass & Workshops Lead

Organizes workshops, masterclasses, and industry panels while coordinating speakers, VIP guests, and pitching activities.


Aileth Jonas

Finance & Logistics Coordinator 

Manages transportation, security, delegations, and on-site operations while ensuring financial compliance and contract management.


Victor Lyamuya

Technical & innovation Lead

Manages audiovisual setups, screenings, & digital experiences & ensuring smooth operations & overseeing the website.


Alphonce Haule

Programming, Jury & Film Selection Lead

Curates film submissions, manages the jury panel and awards, and ensures a diverse, high-quality selection also coordinates with filmmakers.


Alice P.Kilasa

Technical & innovation TEAM

Assist with audiovisual setups, screenings, digital experiences, and technical operations.


Shalene Liani

Volunteers and reception Manager

Manager  volunteers while overseeing guest check-in and providing excellent customer service. 


Samli Hassan

Technical & innovation TEAM

Assist with audiovisual setups, screenings, digital experiences, and technical operations.


Felistian P. Felix

Content TEAM

Support marketing campaigns, social media, content creation, and media outreach.

Frequently Asked Questions 

In this section, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about our festival.


Tanzanite International Animation Festival is an annual event that celebrates animation, visual storytelling, and creative innovation. It showcases animated films, hosts workshops, networking opportunities, and industry discussions.

The festival is open to animation enthusiasts, filmmakers, students, industry professionals, and the general public. Anyone passionate about animation and storytelling is welcome!

We currently accept submissions through FilmFreeway. Visit our official FilmFreeway page to submit your film, review guidelines, and check deadlines. Once our official website is launched, submission details will be updated accordingly.

1,000+ attendees enjoy our festival 
to celebrate together.

Join us and make unforgettable memories.

What you will experience

Unforgettable moments

Quick assistance

Full access

Contact us

Partners and references

Your support fuels innovation, fosters talent, and helps bring compelling stories to life. 

Together, we are shaping the future of animation in Africa and beyond.

C​lic​​k here to work with us 

Con​tact Us

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Office

48 Msikitini Street, Mikocheni B,

 P.O. BOX 54631,

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Phone

  +255 766748888​​

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