Toronto, ON – Celebrated Ethiopian filmmaker and director Beza Hailu Lemma, world renowned for his thought-provoking narratives and keen cinematic eye, is screening his latest short film masterpiece, ALAZAR, at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
For this North American premiere – ALAZAR world premiered at the prestigious Critics Week at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival – TIFF film audiences will get a deep look into the heart of contemporary Ethiopia, where a tranquil farming community’s exodus is disrupted after a recently buried man disappears from his grave. The film follows Tessema, the son of the missing man, as he tries to unravel the truth behind his father’s disappearance, challenging the miraculous explanations offered by the church.
Produced by Tamara Dawit (Finding Sally, Made In Ethiopia) of Gobez Media – a prominent African-Canadian production company that focuses on amplifying African stories – in collaboration with Martin Jerome of Les Cigognes Films, and co-produced with Kidam and Condor, ALAZAR draws from Ethiopia’s rich cultural tapestry and the intricate interplay between faith and nature. Writer/Director Beza Hailu Lemma crafts a compelling narrative that explores the tensions between traditional beliefs and the harsh realities of life in rural Ethiopia.
Through Tessema’s quest for truth, ALAZAR grapples with themes of spirituality, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of understanding in the face of adversity. Reflecting on his inspiration for the film, Beza Hailu Lemma remarks “Ethiopia has always been a land of diverse beliefs, where the rhythms of nature and the dictates of faith intertwine. ALAZAR seeks to delve into these complexities, offering a glimpse into the soul of a community grappling with loss and uncertainty.”
ALAZAR marks a significant milestone in Beza Hailu Lemma’s career, following the success of his documentary short KATANGA NATION (2022), which screened at IDFA, Vision du Reel, and Fespaco. The film also serves as a precursor to Beza’s upcoming feature film, THE LAST TEARS OF THE DECEASED, which promises to further explore the themes and motifs introduced in ALAZAR. The captivating visual storytelling of ALAZAR is brought to life by cinematographer Giorgos Valsamis, whose previous work includes award-winning collaborations on acclaimed films like THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE SKY AND US (2019) and I AM AFRAID TO FORGET YOUR FACE (2020).
ALAZAR is a testament to the collaborative spirit propelling Africa’s cinematic renaissance. The team behind ALAZAR is dedicated to showcasing Ethiopian cinema globally, offering audiences an authentic portrayal of African storytelling.
ALAZAR
- GOBEZ MEDIA (CANADA) + LES CIGOGNES FILMS (FRANCE)
- KIDAM & CONDOR (FRANCE) PRODUCTION
- WRITER / DIRECTOR – BEZA HAILU LEMMA (ETHIOPIA)
- PRODUCER(S) – TAMARA DAWIT, MARTIN JEROME
- CINEMATOGRAPHER – GIORGOS VALSAMIS
- MONTAGE – JULIEN PERRIN
- SOUND – JULES VALEUR
