‘ZAIRE’ Wins its 2nd ‘Best LGBT Film’ Award at AIFF
Carmen Banks as Zaire (+EP) in Iman DuPree’s ZAIRE (2026)
After a March 2026 screening in Sweden, Carmen Banks (The Miss Pat Show, WandaVision, The Game) alongside emerging co-star Benji, make a pit stop on the silver screen at AIFF (Asian Independent Film Festival). The duo, supported by Aaron Davis and Venus Kii Thomas, brings home the “Best LGBT Film” award once again.
ZAIRE (penned, directed, lensed & edited by Iman DuPree; funded in-part by the Maryland State Arts Council) scores its second decoration at AIFF’s 11th seasonal celebration of indie cinema - which also marks ZAIRE’s 5th international film festival selection.
2026 - 75 minutes - Drama, Romance, Arthouse - 2.39:1 - Black & White + Color - United States
ZAIRE continues its international festival run at Sweden Film Awards’ annual film competition on May 30th, 2026 at the Saga Cinema, where DuPree’s debut picture previously won “Best LGBT Film” for March 2026.
ZAIRE has also been selected at festivals in the UK, including the International Celebration of Cinema, the Mega Movie Awards, and the Global Indie Filmmaker Awards. A hopeful DuPree anticipates upcoming selections in South Korea, South Africa, Australia, Brazil and Canada alongside domestic film festivals nationwide.
Official selection announcements are forthcoming.
Curious cinephiles can support the film directly by pre-ordering ZAIRE today at www.irisofiman.org - and score an exclusive preview before its early release.
A still from Iman DuPree’s ZAIRE. Benji as Marcus (L), Carmen Banks as Zaire (R)
-From The Iman DuPree Arthouse - MAY 2026
info@irisofiman.org - www.irisofiman.org - DOWNLOAD ZAIRE PRESS KIT
Keywords: ZAIRE, 2026 Film Awards, Indie Film, Independent Film, LGBTQ, Black Cinema, Black Queer Film / Queer Film, Maryland Film, Maryland State Arts Council, AIFF, Asian Independent Film Fest
About Us
The Iman DuPree Arthouse is an underground artist collective who strives to create the intersectional stories that Hollywood won’t. Established in 2024 by five artists and community organizers, this lean team partnered to secure grants and other contributed revenue to birth the tale ZAIRE. We maximize the capacity of shoestring budgets to harness the power of cinema, to share edifying storytelling with the world. We are fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.
Please consider supporting our artwork HERE.
