The biggest condominium complex in East Africa, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa 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.
Ten-year-old Asalif and his mother are living on the divide between a new and ancient world, they are reminded that their country’s big dream of “progress” is not for them. Land developers come knocking and Asalif feels his mother’s fear of further displacement. On the other side, ferocious hyenas lurk in a dark forest and local farmers speak their lore. To fight back against all that threatens his family, Asalif transforms into a lion (anbessa in Amharic). His newfound power takes him to places he never imagined inside and out of the condo until finally, Asalif must shed the lion persona and find the strength that resides in him as a boy, in order to deal with the tides of change and violence that are usurping his family, his country, and his own identity.
Anbessa is a lyrical documentary that takes viewers on a journey of childhood adventures and magical realism as you accompany a creative, sensitive bold young boy using his imagination and sharp wits to battle forces beyond his control, and escape the stark reality of displacement.
It’s available online for free on Afridocs. Director is Mo Scarpelli.
