‘ZAIRE’ Returns to Maryland at Nepal America Int’l Film Fest
A still from Iman DuPree’s ZAIRE. Benji as Marcus (L), Carmen Banks as Zaire (R)
Source: Nepal America Film Society - May 18, 2026
To quote the character Zaire: “Let’s bring it home”! Carmen Banks (Zaire) and Benji (Marcus) have brought it home, indeed.
Claiming its 8th film festival selection, Zaire finally returns to the states after a weekend screening at SFAAF (Chile, May 17th).
While The Arthouse previously released press specific to festival wins, the NAIFF announcement is personal. This official selection marks the film’s 8th international showing and its debut screening on American soil as a Maryland premiere in the auteur’s (DuPree) executive producers’ (Banks and Davis) and supporting character’s (Thomas) own backyard.
The Nepal America Film Festival, hosted by the Nepal American Film Society (a 501 c 3 non profit), unites global cinema under two Maryland theatres (Silver Spring, MD and Greenbelt, MD) for a 4-day weekend of multicultural immersion. Founded in 2017 by US-based filmmakers, film enthusiasts and media professionals, NAIFF aims to bridge culture through partnership, film collaboration and diversity - without the barrier of language.
NAIFF further supports this mission through its “DMV Close Up” - a complimentary prioritization of local filmmakers in its global festival, which made Zaire’s official selection possible (note: films of the DMV Close up still undergo a jury selection process).
In Zaire’s 2-day tale, writer-director Iman DuPree teleports us back to the pandemic’s lockdown era, where Zaire & Marcus meet unexpectedly. Captured in a digital, anamorphic format of black and white imagery, one night brings color to the space the duo shares. Yet the film questions if societal expectations may keep them apart.
Zaire stars Carmen Banks (The Miss Pat Show, WandaVision, The Game) as Zaire alongside emerging co-star Benji as Marcus. Supporting the duo includes Venus Kii Thomas (Octavia) and Aaron Davis (Troy), with diverse V.O. talent from Janice Davis, India Ford, Miera Corey and Johnathan Mitchell-Dixon.
See the one-pager/full press kit below. The release continues after.
ZAIRE (penned, directed, lensed & edited by Iman DuPree) earned its seed funding in-part from the Maryland State Arts Council. DuPree conceived the screenplay in 2024, secured grants and contributed revenue in 2025, and filmed Zaire on practical sets across the DMV area from fall 2025 to February 2026. NAIFF’s announcement arrives on Zaire’s 1-year MSAC grant award anniversary, with a scheduled Pride month screening in Maryland; an alignment that signifies a profound homecoming.
Here’s Iman’s reflection on the NAIFF official selection:
“I’m incredibly proud of the work my team has created - the hearts we’ve been able to touch across the world. The embrace has been so generous.
Submitting Zaire to NAIFF felt right given that I created the picture in a similar style of 1960s South Asian auteurs. I was also inspired by the Asian story structure Kishotenketsu.
More importantly, I submitted because I connect with what trans/GNC people of Nepal are experiencing. As of April, Nepali authorities are no longer processing gender affirming applications that would legally reflect how one chooses to identify, despite a 2007 court ruling that prohibits sexual and gender identity discrimination.
Given this shared plight we of trans/GNC experience have in the states with passports and the like, I submitted to NAIFF because I wanted to show that we stand united - that our intersectional stories matter now more than ever.
Cinema can be the bridge that edifies how we choose to show up in the world - in the lives of our neighbors. I appreciate NAIFF for creating space for local stories that reach across the diaspora. I hope it shows someone else that their humanity matters too.
Thank you NAIFF for uniting our cultures and amplifying the tale of Zaire. May our stories touch many more hearts and inspire an end the oppression of all marginalized people.”
Iman’s debut picture screens at NAIFF June 25-28, 2026 at The Greenbelt Cinema.
Purchase your tickets and passes HERE.
The NAIFF selection follows Zaire’s award winnings at the Athens Int’l Monthly Film Festival, Asian Int’l Film Festival in Kolkata, India, and the Sweden Film Awards, where Zaire scored “Best LGBT Film” at each festival. These international decorations further illustrate that Black artistry which centers intersectional, underground storytelling, thrives worldwide.
“Great representation with a stellar cast. Touching, funny and REAL. A must watch!”
2026 - 75 minutes - Drama, Romance, Arthouse - 2.4:1 - Black & White + Color - United States
Zaire’s Status Across Other Festivals:
On March 21, 2027, Zaire will compete alongside 11 other monthly winners in AIMAFF’s annual competition where it could score Best LGBT Film of the year (similar to its March 2026 Sweden Film Awards win). 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.
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 US release.
Purchase your NAIFF tickets and passes HERE.
An accolades film poster 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, NAIFF, Nepal America Film Festival
About Us
The Iman DuPree Arthouse is an underground artist collective, creating 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 harness the power of cinema, to share edifying storytelling globally.
The Iman DuPree Arthouse is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.
Please consider supporting our artwork HERE.
