Film Programme
AWRA AMBA - UTOPIA IN ETHIOPIA
documentary , Tue, 10:30
United Kingdom, 2009, 28'
Director: Paulina Tervo
Producer: Paulina Tervo
Director of photography: Susi Arnott
Writer: Paulina Tervo
Composer: Alan Gibson
Editor: Catalin Brylla
Synopsis: 40 years ago, an illiterate Ethiopian farmer created his own heaven on earth, based on equality and freedom from organised religions. He was driven by a belief that there is a way out of poverty, hunger and inequality, simply by working hard, reversing traditional values and getting rid of lengthy religious practices. This is the story of his brainchild Awra Amba: a remarkable, rural weaving community in the Amhara Region in Northern Ethiopia. It is a story of belief in a better, more equal world where humans don’t have to suffer, but live in peace and harmony. ‘Awra Amba’ is a beautiful, observational film that shows a different side to development and Africa, told through the voices of a group of independent, intelligent and philosophical people who have figured out a better way to live. The film follows the lives of two women in the village, a mother and her daughter. Zibad, the daughter has just arrived in the village, seeking refuge with her five children after a violent marriage. We follow her trying to become a member and adjusting to a new way of life. Her mother Zeinab, the village’s teahouse-keeper is at the heart of all social events – through her story we discover the every day challenges the community faces through interaction with neighbouring communities who come in for tea and a chat. Finally the founder and leader, Zumra Nuru takes us on a journey to the past where he recounts how he as a young man left his home and family to try and change women’s lives for the better in Ethiopia. His revolutionary vision was often met with hostility – and until this day, when he is 63 years old, he still needs round-the-clock protection by an armed guard due to decades of hatred and death threats.
Director: Paulina Tervo
Paulina Tervo is a London-based documentary filmmaker of Finnish origin.
She has made films for both British and international media, as well as NGOs and academic institutions. In her work she focuses on development, human rights and women’s empowerment. She is particularly interested in making films that portray positive stories from the developing world and conflict areas, going beyond news images of suffering and victims. In addition to making films, she also teaches filmmaking practice and leads participatory video workshops for marginalized communities. She runs Write This Down Productions together with her partner Serdar Ferit. www.writethisdown.co.uk