My summer has been busy. Busy, as in I have had no rest. I like it like that. It keeps me going, motivated about every project I get involved in. This project is special. It’s near and dear to me and I have been wanting to be a part of it for a while now.
I am talking about working with Prof. Haile Gerima on the US premiere of Teza (Morning Dew). Gash Haile (as I refer to him) has been a prominent figure in my life since the day I joined ESAi.
There used to be a group called EthioStudy, and we’d come together at Gash Haile’s Sankofa Bookstore & Video on Saturdays to discuss about current events, history and we’d also watch independent movies. When he had time, or was around, he’d drop by and lecture us and challenge us. I will always treasure those Saturdays.
Some of you ask me how I got involved with Teza? It was a simple decision for me. I wanted to give back to the man who’s been somewhat influential during my college years. Given the fact that I have the skills to market the movie was an added bonus. I have not seen Teza. I’ve only seen a few scenes. I must tell you that from what I saw, it left me wanting for more. There are characters we all can relate, scenarios that might be familiar to some us and a history lesson to others.
For those of you in the DC Area, Teza’s Premieres for the first in the US @ the Avalon Theater on Thursday 9/17/09 at 8pm. Tickets are $30. Included in the price of the ticket is a wrap-up party at Liv Nightclub on Friday 9/18/09 where there will be live entertainment, Prof. Haile Gerima & the Cast will present, as well some light H’ors D’Oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased here .
If you cannot make the premiere on Thursday but wish to see the movie, Teza’s general run debuts on Friday 9/18/09 at the Avalon Theater. Please make sure to tell your friends, family and communities.
For those of you outside the DMV area wishing to see it but cannot make it to town, the movie will run all through most of September into October and beyond, with the support of people like you.
Hope to see you all this weekend.
Published by September 15th, 2009 in African and Personal.
I’ve got a chance to watch it a couple of months ago in Toronto.
A very dark, really touching and made me think about my aunts’, uncles’ and parents’ time a lot.
I watched it in Addis this summer. twice! It is such a good movie. I highly recommend it
hey nolawi plse let me know how we can bring it to the west coast. am dying to watch it- anything by prof. haile gerima!
Watched the Addis Ababa premiere around January.
Power was lost 3 times duiring the film. It spoiled it as it took a long time to finish watching. Still an excellent film, I enjoyed it. I Want to watch it again in the US.
@ tsedey:
ask beshou
Saw it at the Toronto film fest last Sept and LOVED IT! Hope n despair, love n pain, kindness n cruelty, all bundled in this brillian cinematography … one amongst many things that remained with me from Haile Gerima’s interview after the screening was when he said ‘Like many of you in the diaspora, I’m physically here but my heart & spirit remain in Ethiopia…’ sooo true!
yeah ..I think ..still up in Addis cinemas. Its a must watch.
Kind of made me think nothing much has changed in Ethiopia in the past 30 years. Same a$$ politics , same rethoric.
Love the way the Prof. focuses on details. And the guy playing the main character is soooo cute !
Hey Beshu, u expressed my exact sentiments… I do miss those Saturdays and gash Haile’s lectures are always enlightening.. Anyways, I tried to watch this movie twice in Addis and each time it was sold out and that was months after it opened. I have been anticipating this for over 4 yrs.
Keep up the good wrk beshu!
I went to this… that was a fantastic film… I couldnt help but feel emotional when the kids wanted to learn.. minamin… bicha what an amazing story… wow… powerful
I also was fortunate to see this movie… A great illustration of the transition from the rural aspect of family life in Ethiopia and the Ethiopians in Berlin… Without giving too much away, it was just a an eye opener to those who might not know much about the history of the ethiopian culture or for those who forgot where they came from… As Haile mentioned, (with the help of Bernos) let’s make it our responsibility to tell people about this inspiring film.
thank you all for the heartwarming comments. I am just getting back in the groove of things after a successful weekend. For those who went to see it, please spread the word.
For those who didn’t get the chance to see it last weekend, Teza is still running in DC and will continue to run until October. Also :
TEZA TOWN HALL
Every Saturday @ 2PM
Sankofa Films, Videos & Books
2714 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Debriefing on Teza for those who have seen the film, and for the community at large. Based on viewer demand – a safe place to sift through the emotional implications Teza provokes. Discussions will be led by Haile Gerima and select cast from the movie.
Thanks everyone!!
Any idea when it’s coming to Canada??
I mean western Canada?
When ever you need a face-lift to your ad Freshen up your Headline also.
I was going to see Teza with a friend last Sunday. Lo and behold they were not playing it on the 27th
How long is TEZA going to be in theater? Will they still show it this weekend?
Hi Mamitu,
I am sorry, I was not aware of that.
Nani,
This is the last week the movie is going to run in DC. it’s showing 3 times a day, every day. We urge you to visit http://www.tezathemovie.come for call sankofa for further inquiries 202 234 4755.
Teza officially ends its run in DC on Oct 6th. So if you haven’t seen it, now is a good time to go
Why the ticket so expensive??????
I was just telling my friend about that.
That’s very good point