Film work, Cohorts and Teaching
On November 3, 2023, my debut short film Hāgarē was released. Since then, my journey as a filmmaker has been one of growth, exploration, and deepening commitment to the craft. In early 2024, I was one of three filmmakers selected to participate in the Convergence Film Cohort Lab through a collaboration between the Jerome Foundation and In Progress. In October of 2024, my film Hāgarē was selected and screened at the Linz International Short Film Festival, which I attended in Austria from 10/09/24 - 10/12/24.
In between festivals and labs, I’ve stayed grounded in hands-on work, alternating between roles as Key Grip, Assistant Camera and Script Supervisor on several local productions, including:
- Shoes in the House by May Lee-Vang (September 14–15, 2024)
- Inferno by Naomi Ko (September 21–22, 2024)
- Nyab 10k by May Lee-Vang (February 26, 2025)
- Retourné by Txhee Belinda Xiong (March 15, 2025)
- Everafter by Tsuab Yang (April 26-27, 2025)
- The Boom by Ajuawak Kapashesit (July 11-13, 2025)
Teaching Artist – In Progress Studio
Northern Minnesota (Crookston, East Grand Forks, Cass Lake) | 2025
Northern Minnesota (Crookston, East Grand Forks, Cass Lake) | 2025
This year, I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to work as a teaching artist in communities across Northern Minnesota. Through my role with In Progress studio, I collaborated with residents in Crookston, East Grand Forks, and Cass Lake on multiple occasions throughout the late winter and summer months. Our work focused on organizing creative workshops, offering technical equipment training, and supporting project development for youth and young adults interested in storytelling and the arts.
- Designed and led creative workshops for youth and young adults interested in the arts
- Provided hands-on technical training in camera, sound, and editing equipment
- Supported the development and production of community-based storytelling projects
- Fostered collaborative artistic engagement in underserved and rural communities
In December of 2024, the treatment for my future short film titled Temar Lije was selected for the Linz Talent Short Film Lab. During the spring of the following year (May 11–12, 2025) I directed my first professional short film titled Birdbrain. Shortly after shooting that film, I would attend the Cannes Film Festival (May 19–24) as part of the Linz Talent Lab, participating in Short Film Corner and having the opportunity to pitch my film Temar Lije to producers and funders.
At this point in my filmmaking journey, I have a strong sense of the stories I want to tell—ones rooted in the exploration of the Ethiopian experience, in the ways of culture, identity and history. I’m currently focused on refining the intricacies of my storytelling: how to build compelling narratives, create layered characters and evoke genuine emotion through the lens. The past year has been filled with rich learning experiences—working on sets, directing, teaching, participating in film labs, traveling to festivals and building relationships with filmmakers from all over the world.
This year especially has brought incredible opportunities for collaboration, learning and meaningful connection. I'm excited to keep that momentum going as I return to Linz, Austria this October to complete my Talent Lab cohort and pitch as I compete for an Austrian production fund. In the meantime, I've been co-writing scripts with both local and international artists, coordinating the production of my own short films and staying active on sets throughout the Twin Cities as I continue to hone my craft.