You should check out the following Ethiopian movies: Gudifecha, Kezkaza Wolafen I & II - http://www.kezkazawolafen.com , Hermela and Semayawi Feres for a nice cinema and they do have subtitles.

Ethiopian films are of a tv drama type. So expect a film that is planned for a 'wide screen' movie. Semyawi Feres is a good attempt. Alot has to be done. Hermela is a good production, movie wise that is.

Forget the my first posting
Ethiopian films are of a tv drama type. So DON*T EXPECT a film that is planned for a 'wide screen' movie, its not. Semyawi Feres is a good attempt. Hermela is a good production, movie wise that is. Alot has to be done and the film directors need some sort of an exchange programme were they can travel abroad and get a more solid eductaion.

I saw two local films in Ethiopia: Semayawi Feres (Blue Horse) and Hermela. I was impressed, complex plots, good acting. To judge from the subtitles the dialogue seemed pretty strong too. Also however some cheesy plot twists and stereotypes like bad guys in black leather who always seem to be smoking.

To me the main problem was the sound editing - in both cases the music was repetitive and mixed way too loud! Bring discreet earplugs.

However two things strongly impressed me. First, watching Semayawi Feres with a packed house of Ethiopians was a blast. It makes you feel there's a real future for this industry. Second, maybe it was just these two, but along with the entertainment both films managed to work in potent doses of relevant social commentary. Next to films like these most American films are about as stimulating as a vatful of decaf.

Honestly however I didn't enjoy either of these nearly as much as that drama on ETV in 2003 where the women kills her lover with a wine bottle. That thing was great!

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. And great pics Jacob.

I have seen “gudifecha” and “hermela” films as well as a christen film called “yetetale mekrase”. Well i have to say that i am very impressed with all three.
I also would like to say they all endeavour to demonstrate the current problem and tried to put it in context where Ethiopians can associate them selves.
Well done to all directors, film production teams as well as the actors and those who involved in film making process.. Keep going! it is a good start. Who knows we might end up in Hollywood
God job!!!
God Bless
from london

the progress is facinating ,but we must undrestand the difference btween stage a drama from a movie.

I wish I could share the same enthusiastic approach as most of you. But when I finished watching all these movies you mentioned, I got mad at myself for wasting such a precious time on such lousy films. When I watch movies, I am very much not interested in the technology used to create it. I don't care if they made a movie using a 35mm film camera, miniDV, consumer cam or whatever.......it's the FREAKIN' STORY that matters, and THE ACTING. These actors tend to act with a capical A.NOT GOOD. Film actors are supposed to make the character their own and work moment-by-moment thus portraying a performance that is believable. every time these actors speak in the movie, I don't believe them. Why?????because I know they're acting. People are confused. they think Ethiopian film industry is heading in the right direction. I say its heading in the wrong direction. my 2 cents.