The story of young intellectuals' idealism being shattered when faced with the realities of socialism in practice is not new. But when such a tale is portrayed in a film shot in Gonder with the cinematic mastery of Professor Haile Gerima, the result is something uniquely powerful.

Bittersweet Homecoming
Haile Gerima's Teza Brings to Life the Diaspora's Dilemma

The latest addition to Ethiopia's most famous director collection of masterpieces, Teza, is now playing across Addis Ababa after drawing international acclaim. A prize at the 65th Venice File Festival last year is just a glimpse at how global Professor Haile Gerima's work has become. And most would agree this Howard University professor deserves the attention after seeing Teza.

Told through flashbacks of a now aged and crippled Anberber (Aaron Arefe), the film begins with the parallel excitement of the exiled intellectual's homecoming and memories of his days in avant-garde East Germany. His mother, Tadfe's (Takelech Beyene), joy to see her son after so many years brings to life the family longing as Anberber is whisked back to his rural Gonder home.

But that something is wrong with both Anberber and his motherland, now during the waning days of the Derg, is immediately apparent. Scenes of roaming government and opposition soldiers searching for any able bodied men and boys to forcefully join their cause soon cause Anberber to descend into deep depression.

Through his visions of revolutionary meetings among Diasporan Ethiopians and international progressives, it is clear his ideals he sought to bring back to his country are far from a reality. Studying medicine tirelessly in Germany in order to "cure the [diseases in the] country" Anberber, like his peers, held high hopes for how his skills could be used by a fair government that works for the people.

But, bit by bit, it becomes clear how displaced and powerless he has become in a country ruled by repression. Back to the present, he racks his brain for an explanation of how his good intentions could stray so far from any effective influence on his people.

Not only is Anberber powerless, but his community even rejects him and those who surround him, including a village outcast he finds solace with.

Most of all, Teza, brings tangibility to an issue many Ethiopians, and in fact Africans, grapple with throughout their lives: how to cope with a reality in their homeland they cannot change no matter how much they hoped to while abroad. In the movie notes, Haile explains his personal connection to the subject.

"Like in Teza, when I got to Ethiopia, the present Ethiopia is a nightmare for me, I create a psychological refuge and hide in my past..." says Haile.

Most famous for producing and directing Sankofa (1993), whose story of African resistance to slavery won him numerous awards, Haile presents a cinema artistry rare in today's industry in Ethiopia. As hundreds of youth line up to see Teza at the modern Edna Mall theater, it is a reminder that it takes a true genius to bring to life a story that binds the generations.

Comments (2)

Teza the movie
written by Tesfu Gerima , March 11, 2009

Teza –won the following prizes:
FESPACO in Burkina Faso:Golden Stallion of Yennenga
"Teza" by Ethiopian realistic film maker Haile Gerima was crowned on Thursday with a UN fight against poverty prize and Zain prize for its originality, technical quality and performance.
…………………………………
Rotterdam Film festival:Dioraphte Award for by the festival audience Hubert Bals Fund film held in highest regard went to the film Teza by the Ethiopian film maker Haile Gerima.

Venice Film Festival: SPECIAL JURY PRIZE
OSELLA for Best Screenplay to:
Haile Gerima for Teza by Haile Gerima (Ethiopia, Germany, France)

SIGNIS Award:
Special mention to Teza by Haile Gerima

Leoncino d'oro Award 2008 (Agiscuola):
Cinema for UNICEF commendation: Teza by Haile Gerima

CinemAvvenire
Cinema for peace and the richness of diversity" Award: Teza by Haile Gerima
Other films by Professor Haile Gerima

Carthage/Tunisia Film Festival: (African Carthage Film Festival):
- Golden Tanit and Best Screenplay
- Best Music
- Best Cinematography
- Best Male Supporting role

Amiens/France International Film Festival France
- Golden Unicorn - Best Feature Film

Venezuela
- Amazonia Award Films

Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece:
-The Human Value's Award

CinemAfrica Film festival Prize in 2009
went to Haile Gerima, from Ethiopia.
The Jury’s motivation: for his film Teza for a story well told about the political reality not only in Ethiopia but also in so many other countries in Africa and the rest of the world. For the impressive special strength, the poetical cinematography and a brilliant personal account of a human tragedy, but at the same time a story of love and hope.

...
written by Maggie , March 23, 2009

I am trying to find out if and when there will be a screening of TEZA in the Los Angeles area?

Thanks!