The Dar Foto Festival proudly presents its 2025 edition, themed “Coexistence,” running from January 31 to March 1, 2025.
Courtesy of Dar Foto Festival.
Featuring exhibitions in both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, this year’s festival highlights the works of 15 distinguished artists from Congo, Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania, fostering a dialogue on the complexities of shared spaces and diversity in Africa.
Exploring ‘Coexistence’
The theme “Coexistence” examines the ways individuals and communities navigate diversity, identity, and shared experiences. Influenced by Tanzania’s socialist ideals under Julius Nyerere—particularly “Ujamaa” (brotherhood) and “Uhuru na Umoja” (freedom and unity)—the festival reflects on how historical and contemporary narratives shape coexistence. It also draws from the African philosophy of “Ubuntu”—”I am because we are”—emphasizing mutual respect and interconnectedness.
Beyond human interactions, coexistence extends to Tanzania’s natural environment, where rapid urbanization challenges the balance between conservation and development. Through photography, the festival explores these tensions, offering reflections on how humans and nature coexist despite competing needs.
Migration and urbanization add further complexity, particularly in cities like Dar es Salaam, where diasporic movements influence cultural and generational shifts. Host photographer Natalia Msungu captures this theme by documenting the city’s socio-economic divides, contrasting thriving business districts, informal settlements, and developing suburban areas. Her work presents a compelling visual narrative of urban transformation and the quest for harmony within diverse communities.
Featured Artists
The festival proudly showcases 15 talented artists whose works offer unique perspectives on coexistence:
- Isaack Bujirwa (Congo D.R.)
- Ammar (Altahir Sudan) (Sudan)
- Neemo Mungai, Anthony Otieno Ochieng (Kenya)
- Sehin Tewabe, Abinet Teshome (Ethiopia)
- Roshni Lodhia, Vanessa Mwingira, Eric Lugakingira, Meraki Collective, Marcus Davie, Richard Magumba, Natalia Msungu, Sam Vox, Sabitathsu John Kitaule (Tanzania)
Festival Highlights
In addition to exhibitions, Dar Foto Festival 2025 offers engaging activities to inspire and educate attendees:
- Photo Walks – Guided explorations through urban landscapes, capturing the essence of coexistence in daily life.
- Portfolio Reviews – Emerging photographers receive feedback from industry professionals.
- Photo Talks – Discussions with renowned photographers on the festival’s central theme and photography’s role in shaping narratives.
About Dar Foto Festival
Dar Foto Festival is Tanzania’s premier photography event, fostering a creative and inclusive community for emerging and established photographers. Founded by artist Andrew Munuwa, the festival has grown significantly over three years, gaining international recognition. In 2024, it showcased a preview at the Humboldt Museum in Berlin as part of “Histories from Tanzania,” highlighting coexistence as a central theme.
Looking ahead, Dar Foto Festival remains dedicated to elevating Tanzanian photography on a global stage, creating a platform for artistic expression, ethical learning, and collaboration. More than just an exhibition, it is a movement that challenges boundaries and inspires change through visual storytelling.
Join Us
Experience the power of photography in capturing the essence of coexistence. Join artists, photographers, and art enthusiasts for an unforgettable journey into visual storytelling.
Event Details
- Dates: January 31 – March 1, 2025
- Locations: Various venues in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar
For more information, including event schedules, visit Dar Foto Festival.
