As the city of Addis Ababa expands into the countryside, displacing those living there, a boy channels the strength of a lion (anbessa) as he fights encroaching development and displacement threatening his family.

Monday, November 18, 2019
12:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Luskin School of Public Affairs
Room 5391

Join us for a film screening of Anbessa ("lion" in Amharic), a lyrical documentary about displacement featured at the 2019 Human Rights Watch Film Festival. Following the screening, we will have a conversation with the director, Mo Scarpelli.

Make sure to RSVP using the link or QR code. 

RSVP here: https://ucla.in/3471zSa

About the film:

"You know, hyenas aren't the bad ones... these days it's humans you should fear."

The biggest condominium complex in East Africa, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, promises thousands of people a better way of life. It’s being constructed, however, on the farmland of 10-year-old Asalif and his mother, leaving them just a tool shed with no electricity or running water. Anbessa is a lyrical documentary that takes us on a journey of childhood adventures and magical realism as we accompany a creative, sensitive and bold young boy using his imagination and sharp wits to battle forces beyond his control, and escape the stark reality of displacement. Meanwhile, the city is growing around them and new property developers are knocking at their door.

Sponsor(s): UCLA International Institute