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 Producer 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.
SHEA MOISTURE GRANT:
The River,” was possible due to the Shea Moisture grant program, fostering a dedication to supporting women's empowerment and community investment. Through the utilization of the Blue Print Grant, we engaged over 50 women in the film's production, harnessing the influence of Shea Moisture in Ethiopia for economic development.
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