Film Lens
Anbessa is a documentary directed by Mo Scarpelli, focusing on ten-year-old Asalif who is displaced from his farmland near Addis Ababa due to condominium construction. The film presents Asalif's imaginative resistance as he transforms into a lion, or 'anbessa' in Amharic, to confront the changes in his environment and assert his identity amidst modernization. The narrative captures the tension between tradition and modernity, prompting reflection on the implications of urban development.
The film won awards at various festivals and serves as a catalyst for discussions on sustainable development and cultural preservation. As Asalif navigates his dual identity as a boy and a lion, Anbessa invites viewers to reconsider the narratives surrounding development and emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural identity in the face of relentless change.
Why Watch
- •Meet Asalif, a boy turned lion in Addis Ababa.
- •See the clash of tradition and modernity unfold.
- •Find out how urban development affects cultural identity.
Did You Know
•Anbessa premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2019.
•The film features a ten-year-old boy named Asalif who becomes a lion.
•Anbessa has a runtime of 86 minutes.
•The film was produced in three countries: the US, Ethiopia, and Italy.
Perfect For
Urban development discussionsCultural preservation advocatesDocumentary film enthusiasts