Factors determining annual trend of documentary film production in the country, and why

Funding has been the main factor determining the annual output of documentaries in the country.

The fragmented nature of the film industry in Tanzania makes the availability of historical annual production data hard to come by.

Factors determining film length trends in the country, and why

If the documentary is commissioned the film’s length will usually be specified. Budgetary constraints and subject matter treatments are also factors.

Producers’ funding methods

There is a lot of self-funding that takes place at this stage for non-commissioned works.

Commissioned work is fully funded, but for self- initiated documentary projects funding is extremely difficult. Some media development NGOs do exist in Tanzania, but they usually have a formal process where calls for proposals are made, proposals are evaluated and are selected for funding.

The fairly new Tanzania Media Fund is a real game changer in Tanzania as it is a very well funded body, but for all works, a broadcaster has to be attached, in order for a project to be considered.

It is generally easier to get funds to complete a work than begin it, especially if the work is compelling and/ or has the prospect of making money.

Producers’ documentary film production budget estimation methods

These estimates will be based on previous industry experience, but for commissions, an ad hoc approach to suit the budget is preferred unless clearly instructed otherwise.

Most successful producers

There are a few local documentary film production companies in Tanzania which have been in existence for some time. Invariably, the main reason for their survival is lot of NGO commissioned work, e.g., Abantu Production.

Local documentary production funding sources

Self-funding and NGOs mainly

Funding eligibility criteria used by local documentary funding sources

NGOs will usually only consider experienced Tanzanian filmmakers who can provide a show-reel of their work.

Submission requirements used by local documentary production funding sources for funding consideration

NGOs will usually need a proposal based on their brief which may or may not be based on clear instructions.

Ownership issues in documentary film production

Funders usually insist on the copyrights to the work, but with NGOs some creative rights of exhibiting the works are shared with producers. In any case, contractual agreements will usually spell out these issues in the terms.

Documentary film production ownership issues resolution methods and experiences

Through pre-contract negotiation

Revenue allocation issues in documentary film production

Some NGOs allow producers of their commissioned work to benefit from sales of their work. NGOs themselves usually expect to benefit from such commissioned works by raising public awareness on an issue and then receiving donations, if any, resulting from it.

Agreements between fund sources and producers in documentary film production in the country

As most documentary film work is NGO commissioned, contractual agreements are the norm.

Deliverables in documentary film production in the country

Most documentary works are not made for the big screen but for broadcast television and DVD, and these are the formats that will be required.

Current professional development methods in the country

• Many industry professionals pursue their professional development through occasional workshops, master classes and seminars that are held every now and then such as when film festivals are held, for example.
• There are NGOs who provide training: g., Get Real Training.
• The School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Dar-es-Salaam provide some courses as well.

Professional development service providers for the filmmaking community in the country

• Media for Development Initiative, a non-profit production house
• Maa Media centre

Professional development needs in documentary film production in the country

Most filmmakers in Tanzania are self-trained so there are usually critical gaps in their skills.

Potential funding partners in the country, Africa

• Tanzania Media Fund is already active in the country
• There are a few global funds that are open to applications from documentary filmmakers around the world, including Africa, who could prove to be good partners.

Film schools in the country

• Kilimanjaro Film Institute (Arusha)
• GABA Africa (Dar es Salaam)
• Institute of Arts & Media Communication (IAMCO) (Dar es Salaam, Ilala)
• Tanzania School of Creative Media (Dar es Salaam, Kinondoni District)
• Zakwetu (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)

Documentary film production training programmes in the country

These will occasionally be held during film festivals and at some institutions with trainers from abroad, but not as a permanent fixture in the Tanzanian film industry. Attendance is usually good.

Film festivals in the country

• Zanzibar International Film Festival
• Tanzania Open Film Festival
• Festival of the Dhow Countries

Business management schools in the country

• Eastern and Southern African Management Institute
• College of Business Education – Dar es Salaam
• College of Business Education – Dar es Salaam
• Institute of Finance Management – Dar es Salaam

There is no direct formal involvement these institutions have with the film industry in Tanzania.

Journalism schools in the country

There are three universities that offer degrees in journalism and mass communications:

• University of Dar-es-Salaam
• Augustine University
• Tumani University

Several other colleges provide diploma and certificate courses in journalism, but the government has stepped in to control the quality of courses offered by these institutions after complaints from several members of the journalism profession.

There is no direct formal involvement these institutions have with the film industry in Tanzania.

Technical schools in the country

• Dar-es-Salaam Institute of Technology – Dar es Salaam
• Institute for Information Technology – Dar es Salaam
• University Computing Centre – Dar-es-Salaam
• Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecom- munications, Electronics and Computers – Arusha
• Karume Technical College – Zanzibar

There is no direct formal involvement these institutions have with the film industry in Tanzania.

Professional and peer mentorship groups in the filmmaking community and their methods

• These transient ad hoc groupings are usually formed at film festival events such as workshops and master classes.
• Several production houses also carry out mentorships.

Professional and peer mentorship groups for editors in the filmmaking community

• These transient ad hoc groupings are usually formed at film festival events such as workshops and master classes.
• Several production houses also carry out mentorships.

Categories of relevant tech-related companies in the country and their numbers

There are several computer shops in the urban towns and cities of Tanzania. Camera shops are also to be found with some carrying catalogues of specialised professional equipment manufacturers and expressing a willingness to import on order.

As far as could be determined, no equipment vendor attended the film festivals in the country with intention of promoting their wares in the industry.

Film sales companies operating in the country and services offered to local documentary filmmakers

There are no visible film sales companies operating in Tanzania.

Film distribution companies operating in the country and services offered to local documentary filmmakers

Media for Development International Tanzania (MFDI) A24 Media

Filmmaking community advisory groups in the country

• National Arts Council (BASATA)
• Tanzania Film Censorship Board (TFCB)
• Tanzania Film Federation (TAFF)
• Tanzania Independent Producers Association (TAIPA)

Nature of involvement of advisory groups in the professional development of documentary filmmakers

Some of the advisory groups set up forums in which some of issues facing the film industry can be deliberated upon.

Local advocacy groups operating in the country and their issues

About 10 such organisations existed in Tanzania around 2007 and it is unlikely this number has changed very much. The issues these organisations deal with have to do with promoting human freedoms, equal opportunities, and anti-discrimination.

Nature of involvement of advocacy groups in the professional development of documentary filmmakers

These advocacy groups are usually NGOs some of whom will commission documentaries.

Documentary and news archives in the country and its volume

1972 saw the establishment of the National Film Library (NFL) which functions as an archive and a distributing agency for educational films produced by AVI and TFC. TFC collapsed due to several bureaucracies and institutional mismanagements while AVI was later on merged with National Television (TVT) now TBC in 2000.

In 2008, at the request of the East African Broadcasting Association, CFI put in place a long term project to assist the public radios and televisions of three countries in Africa in the definition of a policy for safeguard, valuation of their archives. 5 audiovisual organisations benefit from this project: TBC (Tanzania), TVZ and STV (Zanzibar), KBC (Kenya) and UBC (Uganda). Three workshops have already taken place. Since 2010, 3 cooperation missions have been organised for TBC. The cooperation between TBC and CFI began in 1996.

In September 2011, TBC participated in a familiarisation workshop for cleaning techniques, restoration and digitization of damaged archives.

Method of archive access and use by documentary filmmakers

Documentary filmmakers can negotiate for access, though the process is fraught with bureaucracy.

Existing forms of documentary film distribution in the country and their capacities

• TV Broadcast
• Theatrical release
• DVD
• Internet
• Mobile Cinema

Distribution options taken by local documentary filmmakers

• TV Broadcast
• DVD
• Internet for promotional purposes mainly

Educational film distributors operating in the country

• Media for Development International Tanzania
• Mobile Cinema: Touchline and also government ministry and church organisation operate mobile

Benefits local documentary filmmakers get from educational and non-profit distributors operating in the country

Exposure of their work will bring them a measure of renown and opportunities for more work.

Laws and regulations governing the distribution of documentary films in the country

• Copyright and media laws are in force in
• Tanzanian Copyright Society (COSOTA) conducted a major raid against video piracy in September 2009 where eight distributors were sacked in Dar es Salaam and tons of pirated material impounded.

Laws and regulations governing audience-building for documentary films in the country

• Media laws are in force in Radio is the most widely accessed medium of mass communication.
• Experiences of documentary filmmakers with legal framework governing distribution of and audience- building for local documentaries exist.
• The process of getting a film rated for distribution is sometimes frustrating.

Audience-cultivation strategies used in the country

Radio advertising followed by TV and printed media are used. Word of mouth is also quite effective.

Originators and executors of audience-building strategies for local documentary films in the country

This is usually the distributor’s responsibility, but filmmakers find themselves forced by a survival instinct to pitch in.

Revenue generation strategies for local documentary films in each distribution channel in the country

DVD sales and revenue sharing with broadcasters are also possible if sponsors are found.

Social movements in the country and nature of engagement with local documentary filmmakers

There is a weak tradition of social movements in Tanzania. However, there are some that should be pointed out such as: the reproductive and sexual rights and health movement, the mineral wealth for locals movement, equal justice for the poor movement, and also the “charismatic” Christianity movement.

Some African civil society groups in the country and nature of engagement with local documentary filmmakers

• The Foundation for Civil Society
• Tanzania Women Lawyers Association
• Christian Council of Tanzania
• Guluka Kwalala Youth Environmental Group agenda Participation 2000
• Bus Drivers Association
• Hakikazi Catalyst
• TMWDO – Tanzanite Mine Workers Development Office

Potential ADFF partners in other activist groups in the country

• Tanzania Media Fund
• Media for Development International Tanzania

Issues concerning distribution rights in each distribution channel and their resolution

These issues are usually dealt with in negotiated contracts subject to the laws of Tanzania.

Securing and administration of distribution rights in the country

These issues are usually dealt with in negotiated contracts subject to the laws of Tanzania.

Prevalence of copyright piracy of film in general and documentary works in particular in the country

The creative industries in Tanzania lack both systematized distribution and established marketing channels. Therefore, piracy affects both film and music industries. Copyright infringement and trading in counterfeit goods are major challenges and pose a risk to the sustainability of the industry.

Measures in place to deal with copyright piracy in the country and their effectiveness

Even though there is Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA), its capacity and what it does is less than satisfactory. While both film and music productions have committed audience/consumers, the society is faced by lack of awareness of the consequences of buying pirated copies of music CDs or films.

Internet penetration in the country

• Internet penetration is less than 5%
• Internet hosts – 24,182 (2010)
• Internet users – 678,000 (2009)
• Population – 42,746,620 ( July 2011 )

Potential subscribers for an online local documentary library and/or Internet channel

There is no specific data of the number of Tanzanians in the Diaspora but it is believed that the number has slightly exceeded 2,000,000, living and working in different countries in the world. Generally, the Diaspora has a much higher access to the Internet than local populations. The Tanzanian Diaspora therefore points to a subscriber base of about 100,000 at a 5% subscription rate. Internet penetration in Tanzania is bound to grow, however.

Internet usage by local documentary filmmakers

Internet has only been used for promotional purposes with video posted on YouTube and other free video hosting platforms.

Political sensitivities

Ethnic tensions are a highly sensitive subject in Tanzania.

Modes of communication between local documentary filmmakers and funding sources

Fixed and mobile telephone communications are possible, Internet telephony (e.g., Skype) is available. The Internet also makes email and instant messaging feasible.

Channels of communications that allow private exchange of information in the country

Fixed and mobile telephone communications is possible, Internet telephony (e.g., Skype) is available. The Internet also allows emails and instant messaging.

Information sources used by local documentary filmmakers on various aspects of documentary production in the country

There is no single repository of information and filmmakers tend to make use of their networks of contacts to find out what they need, whom to work with and whom to seek help from.

Kinds of information that local documentary filmmakers would benefit from being in a directory or guidebook

Everything a filmmaker needs to know about the industry, but most especially on sources of funding, upcoming projects, and training.