Teza in Addis

A Negod-gwad and Pandora Film production, Teza, was premiered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 3rd, 2008.

Approximately, 1,260 people came to the opening day, which is full capacity at the National Theater. Among the attendee were many African Union dignitaries and other diplomats.

The movie will be showing at the National Theater for a month.

The movie so far has won more than ten awards in different international film festivals. Some of the awards include:

Venice Film Festival:
- Special Jury Prize
- Osella - Best Screenplay
- SIGNIS Award - Special Mention
- For Peace and the Richness of Diversity Award
- Leoncino d'oro Award 2008 (Agiscuola)
- Cinema for UNICEF commendation


Carthage/Tunisia Film Festival: (African Carthage Film Festival):
- Golden Tanit – Best Film Award for its "modesty and genius."
- Best Music
- Best Cinematography
- Best Scenario
- Best Image
- Best Editing
- Best Supporting Actor (Abeye Tedla).

Amiens/France International Film Festival France:
- Golden Unicorn
- Best Feature Film

Venezuela:
- Amazonia Award Films

Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece:
- The Human Value’s Award

Dubai International Film Festival:
- Best Composer


The stars of the movie include Aaron Arefe, Abeye Tedla, Takelech Beyene, Teje Tesfahun, Nebiyu Baye, Mengistu Zelalem, Wuhib Bayu, Zenahbezu, Asrate Abrha, Araba Evelyn Johnston-Arthur, and Veronika Avraham.

According to Alissa Simon, the movie is set during the repressive regime of Ethiopian dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam. "Teza unfolds through the eyes of a German-educated intellectual who returns to his homeland full of idealism after the deposition of King Haile Selassie. Haile Gerima rewards the viewer's with a potent sense of Ethiopian history and culture.

Picture: (L-R) Guest, Author Yasmina Khadra, co-director of the Toronto Film Festival Cameron Bailey, musician Harry Belafonte, director Deepa Mehta and director Haile Gerima onstage during the Cultural Bridge Panel discussion on day three of The 5th Annual Dubai International Film Festival held at the Madinat Jumeriah Complex on December 13, 2008 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images.)