This short film by Ethiopian filmmaker Yeabsira Eshetu Mandefro journeys into Addis Ababa to document the life and work of Getabalew Abebe, a master craftsman devoted to the traditional weaving of the Habesha Kemis — a beloved cultural garment in Ethiopia.
Shot in the Habesha Kemis facility in Addis Ababa, the film offers an intimate look at the entire handmade process, from thread to textile, capturing the beauty and complexity of a tradition passed down through generations. But it also raises urgent questions about survival, as handmade craftsmanship struggles to compete with cheaper, machine-made imports flooding the local market.
More than just a portrait of a craft, this film is a meditation on heritage, pride, and the quiet resilience of those who fight to keep tradition alive in a rapidly changing world.
