EFTA Sponsors Two Ethiopian Producers at Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab for 2nd Year Running
For a second year, IEFTA extends its collaboration with the Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab of Nairobi, Kenya, by sponsoring the attendance of two Ethiopian filmmakers at the week-long training program taking place in November. IEFTA have sponsored the attendance of Hadra Ahmed for the Doc Lab and Nahusenay Ayalew for the Fiction Lab, spotlighting the current projects that they are working on.
It is the second time that the lab will welcome an Ethiopian delegation, and IEFTA are proud to be able to contribute in showcasing curated talent from around the world.
Hadra Ahmed (Ethiopia)
PRODUCER
Hadra Ahmed, Ethiopia’s first and only Emmy Award-winning producer, is a passionate storyteller and investigative journalist working in Ethiopia’s challenging media landscape. Committed to shining a light on marginalised communities and critical social issues, her work often brings personal and political stories to a global audience. Hadra’s unique approach blends professionalism with creativity, allowing her to capture the lives of her subjects with sensitivity and depth. As both producer and director, Hadra excels in every stage of the documentary filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and filming to editing. Her dedication to ethical journalism and storytelling has earned her international recognition, including an Emmy, the Rose d’Or Award, and the Gerald M. Loeb Award. Hadra remains a pioneering figure in Ethiopian media, inspiring others with her commitment to high-quality, thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences worldwide while maintaining integrity and respect for those who are involved in her projects.
Nahusenay Ayalew (Ethiopia)
PRODUCER
Nahusenay Ayalew is an Ethiopian film producer dedicated to the craft of independent filmmaking. He studied filmmaking in Nairobi, where his passion for cinema took shape. His work quickly gained recognition, and he produced a Kalasha-winning film that highlighted his ability to tell compelling stories with a unique voice. Inspired by African cinema pioneers such as Haile Gerima, Ousmane Sembène, and Djibril Diop Mambéty, Nahu’s work is rooted in African identity, culture, and social commentary. He strives to challenge the norms of filmmaking, both artistically and financially, echoing Mambéty’s philosophy that “the future belongs to pictures.” Currently focusing on independent films, Nahu aims to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling, creating impactful films that resonate with audiences across the globe, while contributing to the growth of African cinema.