Academy Award nominee Leelai Demoz. (Image: screen shot Tadias video)
Tadias Magazine
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
New York (TADIAS) – In the following interview with Tadias, Academy Award nominee Leelai Demoz, speaks about his role as one of the judges at the 2009 Addis International Film Festival and his experience as a filmmaker. The documentary Guzo (The Journey), directed by Aida Ashenafi won first place in this year’s competition. The film is scheduled to premier in Washington DC on May 9th at the Lisner Theater (GWU).
Leelai’s interview was taped in Los Angeles. Part two of our Ethiopians in Hollywood series features filmmaker Zeresenay Berhane Mehari, who worked as Cinematographer and 2nd Unit Director for Guzo.
Part Two: Featuring Filmmaker Zeresenay (Zee) Berhane Mehari
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Wow…..really love it…it is so great to see Ethiopians flourish in the film industry. Someone please get me in contact with these guys!
This is a great interview. Good job Leelai and I am proud of your accomplishments. Wow, I didn’t know that we have an Ethiopian filmmaker who is an academy award nominee. I love Aida Ashenafi’s Guzo. I was fortunate enough to see it at a private screening in D.C. last week. And I agree with Leelai that that cinematography is simply amazing. I recommend for all to check it out.
Finally thank you Tadias TV and I look forward to your part two with Zee.
With respect and love.
Meaza from California.
Leelay,
I wish we have more people like you. To all Ethiopians: Is there a way that we can help to open a film academy back home in Ethiopia? It is unfortunate that we have only one Art school for 81 million people. In comparison Europeans had more in the Middle Ages than we have now. That really is a shame. I wish that people like Leelai and Aida and Zee would use their influences and know-how to open more of this academies.
Again, Leelai we are very proud of you,
George
Thank you so much Aida Ashenafi for the movie. Good Job!