Last night we held the world premiere of a short film commissoned by the British Embassy, Addis Ababa, called “Hopes of Ethiopia” – which features 3 young Ethiopian athletes as they overcome obstacles to prepare to compete at London 2012.
The showing was attended by Ambassadors, senior officials and sports and media personalities. But we were especially pleased to have with us the 3 athletes – Tesfalem (Paralympian 800 and 1,500 metres runner), Yanet (Ethiopia’s first ever female Olympic swimmer) and Mohamed (a strong contender for gold in theOlympics 800 metres) – and their families. Marathon champion Gebrezgiabher Gebremariam also joined us to make a short speech.
Especially enthusiastic readers can find my speech introducing the film here. I hope I made clear that there is a wider message to the film – how determination, commitment and optimism can help many young Ethiopians (not just sportsmen and sportswomen) achieve their ambitions in their chosen fields.
Enjoyed watching but I do not speak Amharic. Have visited Ethiopia 4 times and really hope that these three Olympians enjoy their time in London and will be watching out for them in their events and wish them and all the rest of the Ethiopian team success in their chosen sports.
Yes, determination, commitment and optimism are all needed for Ethiopians to succeed, whatever their ambitions.
We have met several people on our travels to Ethiopia who have done just that.
To that end we help orphans in Dukem in the hope that they too will get a chance to realise their dreams.
Thank you for making the film.
Dear Greg,my honest congratulations to you and all those persons which have been involved and helped by making this project/movie possible.Because you ‘ve also wrote of a “World Premiere” I do strongly believe that ” Hopes of Ethiopia” will find its way to some
European”Short-Film” festivals.And surely also to the “Sundance Festival”, USA.By the way:For me it wasn ‘t so difficulty to search and find the deeper message.I had immediately an-only in Germany released- Kate Bush hit (“Deeper Understanding”)with a more or less similar message -only with an artistical alienation- in my mind.So you could also easily for a wider and not only African audience change the movie ‘ s name into”Messages of Ethiopia”.Although it is quite fantastic if only one short-movie is able, sooner or later,to help millions of esp. young Ethiopians to find their own way of life I do also strongly believe that many other young Africans of other African countries can follow this example in the best sense.
BW, Ingo-Steven Wais, Stuttgart