The other day I was watching a YouTube feed of some film event in the city. You might wonder what was the big deal about that? Well pardon me but I was led to ask myself, “Has Hollywood already arrived here?” Of course mine wasn’t a question about quality, substance and content of the actual works; I mean when it comes to these red carpet events things have ‘evolved’ so fast we’re seeing fashion. At the Oscars they first invite you to all that fashion of the actresses, actors and others in the industry. Even spouses of the film industry people get their fifteen seconds of fame. And you might even think that most aren’t there to see who won in the various categories but to show of the latest fashion; and I’ve to add their curves. I’m not making this up; In fact in most cases the dresses are nothing without the curves! Hmmm!
Well as I was telling you I was impressed by what I saw, well, mostly. Someone was telling me some time back that Ethiopian designers are perfecting their skills. Indeed it seems there was no exaggeration in that claim. You can’t help applauding how they try to make our traditional attire stand out. They really are trying and they’re entitled to all the applause and the cheers they get. Speaking about the film people I have to say they still have some way to go posing for the cameras. You know, this is an international industry and their positive impression should cross borders.
On the other hand when talking about show people in this country one can say there are mixed feelings. You find who look down on such people and refuse to acknowledge them.
“So what are your plans on Sunday?”
“I don’t have any. Will it be Black Label; or Blue Label?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re planning to invite me dinner and whiskey, aren’t you?”
“You know what, I admire your optimism. Keep it up! What I was planning was for us to go and watch a new Ethiopian movie.”
“I beg your pardon!”
“Look you can see some of the best actors and actresses. What do you say?”
“What? Did you say actors and actresses! I didn’t know there were actors and actresses in this country!”
Such people mostly are those who think of themselves as the smartest guys not only in the country but on the planet too. You know such guys rebuke almost every other person, group or profession and to be frank you can disregard whatever they said. Of course it doesn’t mean they don’t reach wide audiences; they do. They really do! Indeed there are actors and actresses who, with the slightest sign of being a household name, all of a sudden flip over and act as if they were blessings to the country and its people.
Yes, like most things in the film world of our country too there are the good, the bad and the ugly!
Then on the other hand, there are those who use their fame and popularity for the benefit of the people being involved in wonderful humanitarian helping hundreds and thousands of people who needed help. They even go as far as putting their own personal resources to bring smiles to thousands of the needy. Few humanitarian organizations, if any, have done as much as these wonderful citizens have done in helping the needy millions of which we’ve these days.
About the event I was telling you about I’ve to admit there were some scenes which were a little offline. Of course talking here is some dude who seems to be refusing to accept some ‘unholy’ changes. a couple of ladies wore dresses so shockingly revealing you might ask, “Was that necessary? Do we have to go this far?” and they were acting as if they wore the most normal dress in town which hides more than it reveals. Well I’ve to train myself to accept the undeniable!
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 22 MAY 2022