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.