BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Since the first Ethiopian movie Hirut Abatwa Manew (1964), the Ethiopian movie industry has made a daring move to reach this day. At one end resource, budget, censorship and copyright infringement challenged its growth and on the other hand it was enjoying a large market. Technological advancement and other happenings were also advantages and disadvantages to the industry. In addition to this, there is a constant criticism that falls on the industry. Ethiopian movies blamed for not aiming relevant socio political and economic issues of the society, lack of professionalism and loss of dynamism. Sound problems, quality of pictures and casting problems have marginalized the effort of artists.
Against the odds, cinematographers blessed us with outstanding works we still can’t get out of our minds. Among this, Teza presented a critical issue of the past to discussion. Its casting, sound and quality of pictures are also a model since it is produced by international writer award winning professor Haile Gerima. Serawit Fikre, who is very famous for his exceptional commercial productions, has directed very relatable and enlightening movies such as Semayawi feres, (Blue Horse) Heroshima and others. The movie Semayawi feres for example can be considered as prophetic as it insisted Ethiopians to find ways of exploiting their water resource mainly Abay or the Nile before the start of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam construction . Another cinematographer worth mentioning is Theodros Teshome. Theodros produced and directed the highest grossing Ethiopian film of all time Kezkaza Welafen (until his own Abay vs. Vegas released seven years later). In 2015, he was nominated for best director and best film at African movie academy awards for his film Sost Maezen (Triangle – Going to America). Sost Maezen (Triangle) won Audience Award at Rwanda Film Festival, and Festival Founders’ Award- at Pan African Film Festival. Theatrist and director Biniam Worku’s film Sebategnaw Sew Ke America Mels is an excellent documentation of sociopolitical and economic consequences of migration abroad by Ethiopians.
Though there have been notable works, the movie industry is seen easily challenged by competitors. Ethiopians easy access to Turkish and hollywoods movies was the biggest test the industry has seen earlier. Adding fuel to the fire, Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted productions for sometime.
The movie industy seems to be getting back on track. Not just feature films, series movies are also taking roots. Yeger Esat, Zetenegnaw Shi and Eregnaye were attracting a wider audience that has been taken by foreign movies. They were remarkable for their story telling, quality of pictures and various messages attempted to forward. Consequently, they captivated the interest of many people and collected many awards so far.
Eregnaye alone has set history for many reasons. For one thing, it is written by three women. Ethiopian movies were dominated by male writers, directors and producers. It is also rare to see more than one script writer or producer involved in a single movie. But Eregnaye gathered together three phenomenal writers and producers. Kidist Yilma, the director and one of authors of the movie is known for her award winning movie Rebuni. Azeb Worku is a versatile art figure. She is a performing artist, author and producer of many movies and drama series. Beza Hailu has written, directed and produced her first feature film titled Enkoklesh, which became critically acclaimed. So, Eregnaye is the product of these brilliant women. The script writers included strong women characters that can be taken as models by the younger generation.
Apart from all other reasons, Eregnaye is unique for its daringness to touch and discuss Ethiopian current socio political situation. The movie urged Ethiopians to look back to their history and assets in order to find solutions to present day challenges. Generosity, faith, humility and traditional wisdom were some of the Ethiopian assets the scriptwriters advocated and Ethiopians unity, peace and revival can be built upon. The characters in the movie are seen choosing unity over difference, opposing division and finding ways to pass agelong wisdom. As it endorse valuable Ethiopian assests, the movie has also criticized and raise awareness against harmful practices, discrimination against women and persons with disabilities.
The rural Ethiopian beauty and life has been attempted for portrayal by this series of movies. Weddings, funerals and other relevant ceremonies and traditional arbitrary systems have been shown in the movie . The setting is generally fixed on Abent village opposite to many Ethiopian movies that preferred to make their setting here in the capital. This also can be taken as a significant detachment that can give Ethiopian stories diversification and different taste.
The movie also got sizeable viewers from on set get as it is known notable actors and actress are to perform. It won’t be an exaggeration if one say this series movie has the best casting. The pride of Ethiopian movie industry; most famous actors like Abebe Balcha, Mulualem Tadesse, Derbwork Seyfu, Sayat Demissie, Kurbachew Deneke, Amanuel Habtamu, Kalkidan Tibebu and Solomon Bogale were among the cast. Young artists have also performed well and gained fans easily.
The movie ran for four years with four seasons and 48 episodes. Its finale was received with mixed feelings. The death of the protagonist of the story, Enana has left many audiences covered with tears but overall the audience is showing their love and appreciation to directors , producers, actors and everyone involved in the movie through various ways. Some fans are even going and paying a visit to Abent village, the setting of the story, and taking pictures with artists. This groundbreaking movie series has also raised the bar of the Ethiopian movie industry. Upcoming movie industries are anticipated to come with much stronger themes, presentation techniques and quality. If so, there is no reason an Ethiopian movie with 100 million potential viewers can raise its level to Nollywood, Bollywood or Hollywood.
Art in such a pure and impactful presentation can change society by igniting hope, catalyzing positivity and peace and heralding development. Therefore, it is upto concerned parties to support such initiatives and make the entertainment industry more consequential. In an economic sense, its growth and profitability is also advantageous as it promotes the country and creates jobs.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST 2022
