Acclaimed filmmaker Haile Gerima is set to release his long-awaited documentary on the struggle of Ethiopian patriots during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. The documentary, titled “Black Lions, Roman Wolves: The Children of Adwa,” is six hours long and features footage from Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia, as well as first-hand interviews with Ethiopian veterans of the war.
Gerima, who is 77 years old, has been working on the documentary for over 30 years. He said that he was inspired to make the film after visiting Ethiopia in the early 1990s and seeing the scars of the war that were still visible in the country.
“I wanted to tell the story of the Ethiopian people’s struggle for freedom and independence,” Gerima said. “This was a war that was fought not only on the battlefield but also in the hearts and minds of the people.”
The documentary is currently in post-production and Gerima is in talks with several content distributors and streaming companies to release it. He said that he hopes the film will help to educate people about the history of Ethiopia and the sacrifices that its people have made for their country.
In addition to his work on the documentary, Gerima is also working on several other projects, including a feature film titled “Ye Tut Lij”. He said that he is also writing a book about his experiences as a filmmaker.
Gerima is a pioneer of African cinema and his films have been praised for their powerful social commentary. He is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute and the Légion d’Honneur from the French government.
Despite living in the United States for over 40 years, Gerima still owns his Ethiopian passport and never uses a cellphone. He said that he is committed to staying connected to his Ethiopian roots and to using his art to tell the stories of his people.
“I am an Ethiopian filmmaker,” Gerima said. “My work is about Ethiopia and the African continent.”
The release of “Black Lions, Roman Wolves: The Children of Adwa” is a major event in the history of African cinema. The film is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for freedom and independence, and it is sure to inspire audiences around the world.
I have read various stories on the works of this very dear countryman in the past but the movies he had made have not been easily available to see. Can someone list down the movies he made and how they can be found to watch? Are they available online? I would appreciate any assistance.