Film

Teza

Dir. Haile Gerima

2008 | 140 min

The film reflects on the effects of the fall of Emperor Selassie, and the ways in which political upheaval and social change have impacted cultures and nations across the larger African Diaspora. Told mainly through a series of flashbacks, Teza follows the personal narrative of Anberber, who after leaving Ethiopia for Germany to become a doctor, is led to return to his home village by lingering spirits and haunting visions from his childhood. Using the power of memory as its primary device, Teza recounts the historical circumstances that have framed the context in which contemporary Ethiopia exists. The movie chronicles Anberber's internal struggle to stay true - both to himself and to his homeland- but above all, the film explores the possession of memory, a right that humanity mandates that each of us have: the right to own our pasts.

The screening will be introduced by Alison Duke, an artistic activist, award-winning filmmaker, and passionate producer committed to the Canadian visual art form. Recently, she co-wrote and co-produced the television documentary Mr. Jane & Finch (19) for CBC Docs POV. She also directed the upcoming television special The Cool Black North for Rogers/Citytv.