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\n\nChucha Studios presents “The River” \n\nA Qene Films Production, The River was made possible through funding from the SheaMoisture Grant Program, supported by Tina Knowles. \n\nTHE RIVER is a film that pays homage to culture and the experiences of women through the lens of Ethiopia and draws inspiration from the Director’s childhood home, Kebena. The film not only celebrates the art of beauty but will also highlight the systemic barriers women face in the context of forced marriage, education, and water access.\n\nAs valued subscribers of AMAKA Studios, you enjoy exclusive access to an in-depth exploration of the filmmaking process, the behind-the-scenes insights, and detailed information on how the film was produced. This platform not only serves as a space for learning but also fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts and creators alike.\n\nBehind the scene was documented and filmed by Gebriel Abebe Balcha and Maza Productions\n\nABOUT THE FILM: \n\nExpanding on the title The River, the film intricately weaves the narrative of the Kebena River, a lifeline for the community yet lacking adequate investment for proper water sanitation. This story serves as a microcosm of the global issue of water accessibility, particularly impacting women who often face gender-based violence at water sites.\n\nThrough poignant storytelling, The River, shines a spotlight on these pressing issues, inviting audiences to reflect on the significance of water in our lives and the challenges faced by communities like Kebena. It encourages viewers to embrace and honor their cultural heritage while advocating for improved infrastructure investments to ensure the well-being of all.\n\nOUR PARTNERS: \n\nFounder of Chucha Studios and Director of the River: \n\nHerrana Addisu is a multi-disciplinary artist, film director and social impact strategist with a passion for community organizing and visual storytelling.  \n\nHer family's journey to the United States and her personal experience growing up in Ethiopia and immigrating to the U.S. have shaped her career in human rights. She works to uplift marginalised communities through advocacy initiatives, research, and programming. \n\nChucha Studios: \n\nChucha Studios LLC is a creative production company that aims to reduce social disparities within marginalized communities by connecting the art of visual storytelling with systemic change.\n\nQ E N E  F I L M S - Production Company\n\nQENE FILMS is a multidisciplinary creative powerhouse that crafts impactful visual storytelling to explore meaning, evoke emotions, and connect with communities through the lens of culture.\n\nFrehiwot Berhane - Co-owner of Q E N E  F I L M S\n\nExecutive Director of The River\n\nVisual alchemist and multi-talented entrepreneur Frehiwot Berhane transforms stories and artistic expression into captivating works of art while leading a creative production house, Qene Films, and advocates for the film and advertising industries.\n\nTedos Teffera - Co-owner of Q E N E  F I L M S\n\nDirector of Photography of The River\n\nFueled by a childhood fascination with capturing fleeting moments, Tedos Teffera, is a cinematographer by trade and a soulful explorer by nature, has spent the last decade mastering every facet of visual storytelling, from photography, cinematography to editing and color grading.\n\nFor active updates, please follow @chucha.studios on Instagram.\n\nFilm Festivals:\n\nPVD World Music African Film Festival, Providence, RI.\n\nKITFO Film Festival, Inglewood, CA.\n\nA Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival (ASVOFF), Dover Street Market Paris. \n\nFilm Credits: \n\nDirector: Herrana Addisu\n\nProduction Company: Qene Films\n\nExecutive Producer: Firehiwot Berhane Germay\n\nDirector of Photography: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye\n\nCrew: \n\nScript and Poem Writer: Tigist Mezgebu Kifle\n\nFirst Assistant Director : Bert Haitsma\n\nFirst Assistant Camera: Mikiyas Sete Abebe\n\nSecond Assistant Camera: Surafel Kebede Desalegn\n\nSecond Assistant Camera: Amanuel Girma Ashenafi\n\nGaffer: Nebyou Bekele Midekeso\n\nGrip: Mesfin Yilma Aklilu\n\nSound Mixer: Dagmawi Solomon Demeke\n\nGrip Best Boy: Mahder Abuye Belay\n\nAssistant to Director: Luwan Lily Gazai \n\nProduction Manager: Eden Nigussie Amare\n\nProduction Manager: Besufkad Aklil Anbessa\n\nProduction Assistant: Ruth Yohannes Kifle\n\nProduction Assistant: Ruth Messele\n\nHair and Makeup Artist: Meron Endalamaw Tadesse\n\nWardrobe: Natnael Mekuanent Tayachew\n\nWardrobe: Melat Gebru Bayibgne\n\nProduction Designer: Rediet Haddis Yalew\n\nCast Agent: Michael Habteselassie Baraki\n\nLocation Scout: Nebyou Bekele Midekeso\n\nLocation Scout: Eyob Shimeles \n\nProduction Driver: Daniel Endeshaw Wendimu\n\nProduction Driver: Amazon Halefom Kahsay\n\nProduction Driver: Tilahun Lechisa Regassa\n\nProduction Driver: Tadesse Andaluem Getahuen\n\nMusic Score: Dagmawi Solomon Demeke\n\nEditor: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye\n\nEditor: Amanuel Girma Ashenafi\n\nColorist: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye\n\nStills Photographer: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye\n\nAdditional Post-production Support: Abeba Studio\n\nCast: \n\nStudent: Mahlet Neges Merese \n\nTeacher: Abeba Kassa Bezabeh \n\nChurch Singers: Aklesiya Gutu Gezawe \n\nChurch Singers: Nardos Melkamu Desea\n\nChurch Singers: Meron Gebregziabher Kasay\n\nChurch Singers: Soliyana Gebregziabher Kasay\n\nChurch Singers: Kalkidan Seyum Yerga\n\nChurch Singers: Etsubdink Getu Gezawe \n\nChurch Singers: Saran selomune mera \n\nChurch Singers: Tsione Mulugata Kaseya \n\nYoung Girl 1: Ameran Zenbaba Worku \n\nYoung Girl 2: Rahewa Taderose Mekonen \n\nMother 2 : Leyuworke Tefera Baheru \n\nGrandmother: Tigist Semma Seume \n\nMitabeter Girl : Kidist Yehualashet Gebrwold \n\nFetle Girl: Brute Seyume Abebe \n\nMother 1: Memar Getnet Hibistu\n\nLittle Girl :Yohanan Getachew Assefaw\n\nKirar Women: Betelhem Tizzy Tadese\n\nDancer: Bemnet Derese Webnhe\n\nDancer: Elshaday Tewodrose G/meskel\n\nDancer: Kalkidan Endale Teresa\n\nDancer: Lamerot Yale yewentu\n\nDancer: Mahelet Alemayew Feten\n\nDancer: Maseresha Teref Abate \n\nDancer: Nafkote Solomune Sewed\n\nDancer: Tsehay Fano Abdisa \n\nMale Rider: Addisu Areja Akaku \n\nMale Rider: Aberhame Talefe Asefa \n\nMale Rider: Germa Asecha Yegeremu \n\nMale Rider: Zelalem Getache Degefu \n\nWater Girl: Tirufat Tekleab Abera  \n\nRiver Woman: Etsehiwot Girma Damena\n\nRiver Woman: Kalkidan Alemayehu Tedela\n\nRiver Woman: Tsion Worku shewe\n\nRiver Woman: Blen Fitsum Abraham\n\nRiver Woman: Sofanit Getenet Fetene\n\nRiver Woman: Merino Bedane Gemeda \n\nWater Girl: Tirufat Tekleab Abera  \n\nRiver Woman: Etsehiwot Girma Damena\n\nRiver Woman: Kalkidan Alemayehu Tedela\n\nRiver Woman: Tsion Worku shewe\n\nRiver Woman: Blen Fitsum Abraham\n\nRiver Woman: Sofanit Getenet Fetene\n\nRiver Woman: Merino Bedane Gemeda ","isAccessibleForFree":true,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://amaka.studio/u/@HerranaAddisu/the-river-meet-the-director-herrana-addisu-FMd69FyCZP1qHAP8zefTg"}}
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The River - Meet the Director, Herrana Addisu

Puplished 22nd July 2024

Herrana Addisu

Herrana Addisu

@HerranaAddisu

Chucha Studios presents “The River” 

A Qene Films Production, The River was made possible through funding from the SheaMoisture Grant Program, supported by Tina Knowles. 

THE RIVER is a film that pays homage to culture and the experiences of women through the lens of Ethiopia and draws inspiration from the Director’s childhood home, Kebena. The film not only celebrates the art of beauty but will also highlight the systemic barriers women face in the context of forced marriage, education, and water access.

As valued subscribers of AMAKA Studios, you enjoy exclusive access to an in-depth exploration of the filmmaking process, the behind-the-scenes insights, and detailed information on how the film was produced. This platform not only serves as a space for learning but also fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts and creators alike.

Behind the scene was documented and filmed by Gebriel Abebe Balcha and Maza Productions

ABOUT THE FILM: 

Expanding on the title The River, the film intricately weaves the narrative of the Kebena River, a lifeline for the community yet lacking adequate investment for proper water sanitation. This story serves as a microcosm of the global issue of water accessibility, particularly impacting women who often face gender-based violence at water sites.

Through poignant storytelling, The River, shines a spotlight on these pressing issues, inviting audiences to reflect on the significance of water in our lives and the challenges faced by communities like Kebena. It encourages viewers to embrace and honor their cultural heritage while advocating for improved infrastructure investments to ensure the well-being of all.

OUR PARTNERS: 

Founder of Chucha Studios and Director of the River: 

Herrana Addisu is a multi-disciplinary artist, film director and social impact strategist with a passion for community organizing and visual storytelling.  

Her family's journey to the United States and her personal experience growing up in Ethiopia and immigrating to the U.S. have shaped her career in human rights. She works to uplift marginalised communities through advocacy initiatives, research, and programming. 

Chucha Studios: 

Chucha Studios LLC is a creative production company that aims to reduce social disparities within marginalized communities by connecting the art of visual storytelling with systemic change.

Q E N E  F I L M S - Production Company

QENE FILMS is a multidisciplinary creative powerhouse that crafts impactful visual storytelling to explore meaning, evoke emotions, and connect with communities through the lens of culture.

Frehiwot Berhane - Co-owner of Q E N E  F I L M S

Executive Director of The River

Visual alchemist and multi-talented entrepreneur Frehiwot Berhane transforms stories and artistic expression into captivating works of art while leading a creative production house, Qene Films, and advocates for the film and advertising industries.

Tedos Teffera - Co-owner of Q E N E  F I L M S

Director of Photography of The River

Fueled by a childhood fascination with capturing fleeting moments, Tedos Teffera, is a cinematographer by trade and a soulful explorer by nature, has spent the last decade mastering every facet of visual storytelling, from photography, cinematography to editing and color grading.

For active updates, please follow @chucha.studios on Instagram.

Film Festivals:

PVD World Music African Film Festival, Providence, RI.

KITFO Film Festival, Inglewood, CA.

A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival (ASVOFF), Dover Street Market Paris. 

Film Credits: 

Director: Herrana Addisu

Production Company: Qene Films

Executive Producer: Firehiwot Berhane Germay

Director of Photography: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye

Crew: 

Script and Poem Writer: Tigist Mezgebu Kifle

First Assistant Director : Bert Haitsma

First Assistant Camera: Mikiyas Sete Abebe

Second Assistant Camera: Surafel Kebede Desalegn

Second Assistant Camera: Amanuel Girma Ashenafi

Gaffer: Nebyou Bekele Midekeso

Grip: Mesfin Yilma Aklilu

Sound Mixer: Dagmawi Solomon Demeke

Grip Best Boy: Mahder Abuye Belay

Assistant to Director: Luwan Lily Gazai 

Production Manager: Eden Nigussie Amare

Production Manager: Besufkad Aklil Anbessa

Production Assistant: Ruth Yohannes Kifle

Production Assistant: Ruth Messele

Hair and Makeup Artist: Meron Endalamaw Tadesse

Wardrobe: Natnael Mekuanent Tayachew

Wardrobe: Melat Gebru Bayibgne

Production Designer: Rediet Haddis Yalew

Cast Agent: Michael Habteselassie Baraki

Location Scout: Nebyou Bekele Midekeso

Location Scout: Eyob Shimeles 

Production Driver: Daniel Endeshaw Wendimu

Production Driver: Amazon Halefom Kahsay

Production Driver: Tilahun Lechisa Regassa

Production Driver: Tadesse Andaluem Getahuen

Music Score: Dagmawi Solomon Demeke

Editor: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye

Editor: Amanuel Girma Ashenafi

Colorist: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye

Stills Photographer: Tedos Teffera Tesfaye

Additional Post-production Support: Abeba Studio

Cast: 

Student: Mahlet Neges Merese 

Teacher: Abeba Kassa Bezabeh 

Church Singers: Aklesiya Gutu Gezawe 

Church Singers: Nardos Melkamu Desea

Church Singers: Meron Gebregziabher Kasay

Church Singers: Soliyana Gebregziabher Kasay

Church Singers: Kalkidan Seyum Yerga

Church Singers: Etsubdink Getu Gezawe 

Church Singers: Saran selomune mera 

Church Singers: Tsione Mulugata Kaseya 

Young Girl 1: Ameran Zenbaba Worku 

Young Girl 2: Rahewa Taderose Mekonen 

Mother 2 : Leyuworke Tefera Baheru 

Grandmother: Tigist Semma Seume 

Mitabeter Girl : Kidist Yehualashet Gebrwold 

Fetle Girl: Brute Seyume Abebe 

Mother 1: Memar Getnet Hibistu

Little Girl :Yohanan Getachew Assefaw

Kirar Women: Betelhem Tizzy Tadese

Dancer: Bemnet Derese Webnhe

Dancer: Elshaday Tewodrose G/meskel

Dancer: Kalkidan Endale Teresa

Dancer: Lamerot Yale yewentu

Dancer: Mahelet Alemayew Feten

Dancer: Maseresha Teref Abate 

Dancer: Nafkote Solomune Sewed

Dancer: Tsehay Fano Abdisa 

Male Rider: Addisu Areja Akaku 

Male Rider: Aberhame Talefe Asefa 

Male Rider: Germa Asecha Yegeremu 

Male Rider: Zelalem Getache Degefu 

Water Girl: Tirufat Tekleab Abera  

River Woman: Etsehiwot Girma Damena

River Woman: Kalkidan Alemayehu Tedela

River Woman: Tsion Worku shewe

River Woman: Blen Fitsum Abraham

River Woman: Sofanit Getenet Fetene

River Woman: Merino Bedane Gemeda 

Water Girl: Tirufat Tekleab Abera  

River Woman: Etsehiwot Girma Damena

River Woman: Kalkidan Alemayehu Tedela

River Woman: Tsion Worku shewe

River Woman: Blen Fitsum Abraham

River Woman: Sofanit Getenet Fetene

River Woman: Merino Bedane Gemeda 

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