Film About Two Orphan Boys
Inspired by a true story, this film is aimed at raising awareness for the Ethiopian orphan crisis. In 2018, 20-year old filmmaker Josh Leong travelled to Ethiopia and during his time in the country, he created a documentary series on Ethiopia’s abandoned children crisis. Currently around five million Ethiopians between the ages of 0-18 remain orphaned; due to poverty, HIV, chronic illness, and most recently covid. Hundreds of private orphanages have closed due to lack of funding, resulting in millions of vulnerable children often living their entire lives on the streets.
During his stay in a boys orphanage, Josh befriended a 17-year old orphan boy named Abel. He learned that Abel would have to leave the orphanage when he turned 18, leaving his younger brother behind. Set against the Ethiopian abandoned children crisis, a short film about two orphan brothers faced with the reality of never being adopted. Inspired by a true story. Children are being forced to trade cots in overburdened government facilities for ditches on the side of the road. Street kids range from pickpockets to prostitutes; trapped in a relentless cycle resulting in the children of orphans also becoming orphans….
Collaborating with local Ethiopian cast and crew, including Ethiopian producer Bemnet Yemesgen, the team filmed in the same orphanages Josh visited in 2018 and even reunited with Abel again. The crew also worked alongside NGOs including DC-based Orphan Care Ethiopia and Great Commission Ministries, who work to support orphanages in the country.
Wayna Wondwossen is an R&B/soul singer and songwriter. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Wayna is a Grammy-nominated performing artist. She worked as a writer for the Clinton White House before releasing three solo albums, garnering three Billboard-charting singles and a Grammy nomination. Adonai Girmaye Kelelom is a 15 year old Ethiopian actor. Though the role of Kiya stands as Kelelom’s professional debut, portraying this role has been one of “the best experiences [he’s] ever had,” and has inspired him to pursue a career in acting. He aims to study acting as well as neuroscience in the United States in the near future.
“I want people to know about this issue. I want people to watch these characters until they can’t ignore the reality behind them. I want parents to think of their children. I want students to raise awareness. I want the financially blessed to support initiatives like Orphan Care Ethiopia. But ultimately, I want to dedicate this film to the children we’ll never forget. Their plight is real, and their need is urgent.” Director Josh Leong.
The film has been accepted into 10 major festivals (4 Academy Award®-Qualifying), winning Best Short at the Greenwich International Festival and the One to Watch Award at the Asian American International Film Festival. The film was also included at the 2020 Cannes Film Festival Court Metrage.
Now available online: https://www.theothersideshortfilm.com/#video
Official Trailer: https://vimeo.com/445092137/129d295b4d Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theothersidefilm
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