Rewinding the Reels of Time: Ethiopia's Cinematic Journey
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Loading... - Nathan Obeng
- 02 Oct 2024
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The Ethiopian film industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1950s. The release of "Who is Hirut's Father?" in 1957 marked the first black-and-white feature film made in Ethiopia, opening a new chapter in the country's film industry. Since then, the industry has experienced a rollercoaster ride, enduring the ebb and flow of different government regimes.
A recent conference at Addis Ababa University brought together film directors, producers, screenwriters, and doctoral students to discuss the state of Ethiopian cinema. Renowned figures like Tewodros Teshome and Henok Ayele shared insights into the production process of Ethiopian cinema, while Minilik Mered, president of the Ethiopian Films Producers Association, addressed the development and challenges facing the industry.
Despite the progress made, the Ethiopian film industry still faces significant challenges. Tewodros Teshome highlighted the lack of skilled professionals dedicated to the industry, emphasizing that many individuals involved in Ethiopian filmmaking come from diverse backgrounds, driven by personal interests or opportunistic circumstances. The absence of formal training institutions or educational centers further compounds the industry's struggle to develop a competent workforce.
The role of distributors in marketing films once they are produced should not be underestimated. Unfortunately, in Ethiopia, the responsibility of seeking a market has fallen primarily on the shoulders of producers and directors, adding an additional burden to their already demanding roles. Distribution thrives on both investment and promotion, and Tewodros stresses the imperative for investors and business professionals to invest in and promote the industry, ensuring its comprehensive development and effectiveness.
Henok Ayele emphasizes the inherent connection between film production and technology. According to him, the development of the Ethiopian film industry can be divided into three stages based on technological advancements. The industry has experienced growth and technological exposure across these three phases, but a major obstacle to its development has been the lack of a consistent leader who can guide the industry on the right path.
Despite the challenges facing the industry, experts are optimistic about the future of Ethiopian cinema. The establishment of training centers and art schools has nurtured young film actors, contributing to the industry's development. Digital technology, particularly digital cinema, is hailed as a significant revolution and a promising solution to overcome the challenges faced by the analog film industry in Africa, specifically in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian film industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but it still faces significant challenges. The industry requires three crucial pillars: quality labor/input, a compelling product, and effective distribution. While the industry has made progress in terms of technological advancements, it still lacks a consistent leader who can guide it on the right path. However, with the establishment of training centers and art schools, and the advent of digital technology, the future of Ethiopian cinema looks promising.
