2025
Experimental(Philadelphia Premiere)(Best Experimental Film Nominee)

The River

OC
Open captions in-person
Play Trailer

The River is a film that pays homage to culture and the experiences of women through the lens of Ethiopia and draws inspiration from the director’s childhood home, Kebena. The film not only celebrates the art of beauty, but will also highlight the systemic barriers women face in the context of forced marriage, education and water access.

Directors Spotlight

Herrana Addisu

Director

Herrana Addisu is an award-winning film director, multidisciplinary artist, and social impact strategist passionate about using storytelling to drive systemic change. Raised in Ethiopia, her work is rooted in her family’s migration journey and lifelong commitment to human rights. She is the founder of Chucha Studios, a creative production company.

Year
2024
Runtime
18 minutes
Country
Ethiopia
Language
Amharic
Director
Herrana Addisu
Executive Producer
Firehiwot Berhane Germay
Cast
Abeba Kassa Bezabeh, Ameran Zenbaba Worku, Betelhem Tezazu Tadesse, Mahlet Neges Merese, Memar Getnet Hibistu, Rahwa Tedros Mekonnen, Tigist Lemma Tsion, Tirufat Tekleab Abera, Yohanan Getachew Asefaw
Cinematographer
Tedos Teffera Tesfaye
Editor
Ababa Studio, Amanuel Girma Ashenafi, Tedos Teffera Tesfaye
Production Design
Rediet Haddis Yalew
Sound Design
Dagimawi Zelalem Tadesse, Ababa Studio
Premiere
Philadelphia

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