Art is one of the manifestations of society. It depicts the historic, social, cultural, spiritual, esthetic and political values of the society. Depending on the origin and history of that particular society, there is inherited culture and art.
Ethiopia is among those countries with thousands years of history with several socio-cultural practices. The art of the nation still astonishes the whole world.
In this modern era, art is expressing itself in various forms. Music, painting and film are some of the media where the society is reflecting its identity. In this regard, Ethiopia is lucky. It has born talented children that reflect the true identity of the society either through their canvas, music or video camera.
Art has a great power to bring people of different culture and geographical location into one spot. No matter how far the society lives or how different their ideology is different, societies have something to share in common. It is the art and the culture they retain for centuries. Art is a diplomatic language in all its forms and can bring together and put societies of different ideology or culture in similar platform. It is an invisible Ambassador without a suit.
Recently, a fantasy psychological film was inaugurated here in Addis Ababa. The movie was produced and directed by a young Ethiopian artist Abel Mekasha and was sponsored by Foreign Affair Department of Chile.
On the movie the seemingly protagonist suddenly finds himself in a closed black and white room wearing a black cloth. A phone in front of him rings repeatedly. The protagonist picks it up. There is a speaker at the end of the line. He is called by code name “0”. The protagonist-which is called by the name “92”looks unstable and mentally unhealthy. He thinks someone has kidnapped him to get something. However, number “Zero” had been repeatedly telling number 92 that no one needs anything from him. In a journey to get what he wants, number “92” explore his previous life in a nonlinear narrative.
Chilean Ambassador to Ethiopia Fernando Zalaquett, said, Superno is the first Chilean Ethiopian coproduction movie which is officially sponsored by the Foreign Affairs of Chilean Government. The film is already selected in seven International Film Festivals.
According to him, diplomatic relationship of countries can be expressed in various ways. Art is one area where two countries can show corporation. It is the great desire of Chilean Government in encouraging young Ethiopian Artists.
Abel Mekasha is one of those artists that got the opportunity. Using his talent and skill, Abel has produced an odd movie that won the heart of Chilean Government.
Ambassador Zalaquett said, art and culture has great role in bringing two different people into one spot. Abel`s Superno is a good manifestation in this regard. Ethiopia and Chile might be found in different geographic locations; but, they share lots of culture and arts together.
It is already indicated by the AU that the year 2021 is a year where art and culture are taken serious issues to bind people of different culture and identity. In this regard, it is the privilege of Chilean Government to work with a young Ethiopian artist in the area.
“We have developed some lines of bilateral cooperation and granting scholarships for Ethiopian professionals to specialize in Chile. Also, so as to improve the trade relationship between the two countries, we are ready to sign an agreement on trade cooperation and investment and we are ready to provide technical assistance to promote export. Currently, there is an important agriculture prospect in Bahir Dar with Chilean investors. In this spirit of bilateral cooperation, on cultural and artist fields, Chile has supported the film SUPERNO, through sponsoring and taking part in its production.”
As part of strengthen diplomatic relations, the Chili Government is providing scholarship to young Ethiopians. This has helped the young Ethiopians to acquire knowledge while experiencing the culture of Chile. It is also a firm believes of the government to further strength South-South Cooperation. When countries tie became strong culturally, the society gets more and more closer, the Ambassador added.
According to him, art has a great power in bringing societies together. The social media are good examples in this regard. Once there was a huge boundary among countries. However, with the advent of social media, the society is now exchanging art and culture.
“That is why we are promoting art. We believe that art and culture has a great potential to bring societies of different backgrounds into one. Promoting cultural values of individuals is promoting diplomatic relations among countries. This is not only the vision of Chile Government. It is also a desire of other Latin American countries to promote cultural bondage. Considering the number of African decedents living there, it is government’s firm believes to promote culture of Africa.
Ambassador Zalaquett said Ethiopia is land of beauty with several socio cultural practices and art products. The society is rich in its culture and cultural products. Be it in the field of painting, music, film or others, Ethiopians have kept the culture of their forefathers.
Abel Mekasha, is the Director and Producer of Superno. According to him, the movie is unusual and different from other movies. Seconding the view of Ambassador Zalaquett, Abel said, art in all its form has power to bring societies of different culture into one stage. Highlighting that society is the product of its culture and art, he said in this regard, promoting the art and culture of the society is vital. “We are promoting the true identity of the society. And the support and effort made by the Chilean government is an encouraging move.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopia Herald May 14/2021
