Top 7 Internationally Loved and Impactful Ethiopian Movies

23 April 2023

Ethiopian cinema has been making waves on the international film festival circuit in recent years, with a number of powerful and visually stunning films capturing the attention of audiences around the world.

Ethiopian Movies!

From post-apocalyptic sci-fi to coming-of-age dramas, these films offer a unique perspective on Ethiopian culture and society, while showcasing the creativity and talent of Ethiopian filmmakers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven Ethiopian movies that have made an impact on the international stage. Whether you're a fan of world cinema or simply looking to discover some new and exciting films, these Ethiopian movies are not to be missed.

1. Lamb (2015)

Directed by Yared Zeleke, "Lamb" (Amharic: ጠቦት - Tebot ) tells the story of a young Ethiopian boy who befriends a lamb and must protect it from his father, who plans to slaughter it for a religious feast.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was Ethiopia's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 88th Academy Awards. It was shown at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival in the Contemporary World Cinema section.

Lamb, was also chosen as Ethiopia's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards, although it did not receive a nomination.

2. Difret (2014)

Difret is a 2014 Ethiopian drama film directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari. The film is based on a true story and tells the story of Hirut, a 14-year-old girl who is kidnapped on her way home from school and subjected to a traditional Ethiopian practice called Telefa (ጠለፋ) , in which men abduct young women and force them into marriage.

Hirut manages to escape and in the process shoots her would-be husband in self-defense, but is then arrested and charged with murder. A young female lawyer named Meaza (played by Ethiopia’s beloved, Meron Getnet) takes on Hirut's case and fights to save her from the death penalty, arguing that she acted in self-defense and that the Telefa practice is illegal under Ethiopian law.

The film explores themes of gender, tradition, and justice, and has been praised for its powerful message and sensitive portrayal of complex issues. "Difret" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014, where it won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category. It has since been screened at numerous film festivals around the world and has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and social commentary.

The film has helped to bring attention to the issue of child marriage in Ethiopia and has sparked important conversations about the need for legal and social reform. The movie’s title Difret (Amharic: ድፍረት) translates literally as "courage," "audacity," but it can also be a euphemism for "the act of being raped." Angelina Jolie served as the executive producer of the film.

3. Teza (2008)

Teza - ጤዛ (English: Dew) is a 2008 Ethiopian drama film directed by Haile Gerima. The film tells the story of Anberber, an Ethiopian doctor who returns to Ethiopia after 17 years of studying medicine in Germany. Anberber is initially optimistic about the future of his country but soon becomes disillusioned with the political situation and the state of the medical profession.

The film explores themes of identity, memory, and political oppression, and has been praised for its poetic imagery and its nuanced portrayal of a complex historical moment. "Teza" premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2008 and won the Special Jury Prize. The film has since been screened at numerous film festivals around the world and has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and social commentary.

Haile Gerima is a highly respected filmmaker and one of the most important figures in Ethiopian cinema. "Teza" is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, and has helped to bring attention to the rich history and culture of Ethiopia. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of art in shaping our understanding of the world around us, and of the need for filmmakers to tell stories that challenge our assumptions and inspire us to think more deeply about the human experience.

4. Crumbs (2015)

Crumbs is a 2015 Ethiopian-Spanish post-apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Miguel Llansó. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where the remnants of humanity live in ruins and struggle to survive in a hostile environment. The film follows the story of a scavenger named Candy (played by Daniel Tadesse) who sets out on a surreal journey to find Santa Claus at the top of a mountain.

The film is known for its surreal imagery, unique storytelling, and mix of science fiction and fantasy elements. It explores themes of memory, identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The film has been praised for its stunning cinematography, its inventive use of sound and music, and its playful approach to genre conventions. Crumbs premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2015 and has since been screened at numerous film festivals around the world.

The film has received critical acclaim for its bold and imaginative vision, and has helped to bring attention to the emerging Ethiopian film industry. Crumbs is a highly original and visually stunning film that offers a fresh perspective on science fiction and fantasy storytelling.

5. Price of Love (2015)

"Price of Love" is a 2015 Ethiopian romantic drama film directed by Hermon Hailay. The film tells the story of Teddy (played by Eskindir Tameru), a taxi driver in Addis Ababa, who falls in love with a prostitute named Fere (played by Fereweni Gebregergs). Despite the social stigma and challenges they face, Teddy and Fere embark on a passionate and unconventional relationship.

The film explores themes of love, class, and the complexities of modern relationships in Ethiopia. It has been praised for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of urban life in Ethiopia, as well as its powerful performances and emotional depth. "Price of Love" premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2015 and has since been screened at numerous film festivals around the world. The film has received critical acclaim for its sensitive and insightful portrayal of a taboo subject, and for its contribution to the emerging Ethiopian film industry.

Hermon Hailay is one of the most important and influential female filmmakers in Ethiopia, and "Price of Love" is widely regarded as one of her most important works. The film is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of the power of love to transcend social barriers and transform lives.

6. Harvest: 3,000 Years" (1975)

Directed by Haile Gerima, Harvest: 3,000 Years (Amharic: ምርት፡ 3000 ዓመት) is a classic Ethiopian film that tells the story of a family of Ethiopian farmers who struggle to survive in a changing cruel, exploitative, and feudal labor system.

The film has been praised for its poetic imagery and its exploration of themes such as love, family, and tradition. Harvest: 3,000 Years was shot on 16mm black-and-white film. It was shot in the midst of a civil conflict following the fall of Haile Selassie. Haile Gerima has said “The first film I made in Ethiopia, Harvest: 3000 Years, shows you the actual footprints of my youth, of where I grew up with my father and the rest of my family.”

7. Fig Tree" (2018)

Fig Tree, is a 2018 Ethiopian-Israeli drama film directed by Aäläm-Wärqe Davidian. The film is set in Ethiopia during the Ethiopian Civil War in the 1980s and follows the story of a teenage girl named Mina (played by Bethlehem Asmamawe) who is trying to save her Christian boyfriend, Eli (played by Yohannes Musa), from being drafted into the Ethiopian army.

The film explores themes of love, family, and identity against the backdrop of a war-torn country. Mina's family is preparing to emigrate to Israel, but Mina is torn between her desire to leave Ethiopia and her love for Eli, who is not Jewish and therefore cannot accompany her to Israel.

As the civil war intensifies and violence engulfs the city, Mina must make difficult choices about her future and her relationships. Fig Tree has been praised for its stunning cinematography, the impressive performances of its cast, and its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of complex issues.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2018 and has since been screened at numerous film festivals around the world, winning several awards. Fig Tree is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on a little-known chapter of Ethiopian history. The film sheds light on the experiences of Ethiopian Jews during a turbulent period in the country's history and explores the tensions and conflicts that arise when love and politics collide.