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THE RIVER
ወንዙ
The River 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 will not only celebrate the art of beauty but also highlight the systemic barriers women face in the context of forced marriage, education, and water access.
A Qene Films production, the project was created with support and funds from the SheaMoisture Blueprint Grant, an extension of a 2023 campaign from the brand, created to further its commitment to empower the next generation of Black women trailblazers and creatives who define and push the boundaries of culture within and beyond the Black community.
Expanding on the title The River, the film narrates the tale of the Kebena River, a vital resource for the community, yet lacking sufficient investment for proper water sanitation. It highlights the intricate relationship women globally have with water accessibility, which is also a site where many women confront gender-based violence.
Through compelling storytelling, The River brings attention to these significant topics, urging audiences to value and embrace their cultural roots while advocating for enhanced infrastructure investments to enhance the well-being of communities like Kebena.
Curated for You
'The River' has been submitted to multiple film festivals and screened privately in major galleries and spaces.
September 18th - 22nd: PVD World Music African Film Festival, Providence, RI.
September 22nd: KITFO Film Festival, Inglewood, CA.
Award: Best Experimental Film
November 7th, 2024: A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival (ASVOFF), Dover Street Market Paris, France
Award: Black Spectrum
November 15th, 2024: Urbanworld Film Festival, New York
Award: Best Female Director for a Short Film
December 1st, 2024: Regent Park Film Festival, Toronto
Release and Private Screenings
Chucha Studios, supported by Amaka Studios, is submitting "The River" to numerous prestigious film festivals, starting in Summer 2024. Concurrently, we are organizing a global tour to showcase the film across major cities.
Our goal is to collaborate with renowned collective, art galleries, and screening venues, extending invitations to prominent cultural figures to view the film, engage in interactive sessions, and partake in discussions.
This initiative not only fosters conversations surrounding the film but also acts as a vehicle to showcase our partners's philanthropic endeavors. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to expand its reach to fresh demographic and forge relationships with communities worldwide.
Curated for You
NEW YORK CITY
July 12, 2024
The event, curated by SAA member Tess Pagas and event producer Kailyn Lynch, attracted 100 attendees, including industry leaders and actors, highlighting the film's wide-reaching impact.
The evening featured a lively atmosphere with light drinks, music, and a stimulating discussion with Herrana , moderated by Asmeret Berhe. The high engagement and enthusiastic response from our diverse audience underscore the event's success and the film’s powerful message.
Curated for You
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LOS ANGELES
July 20, 2024
Location: Black Image Center, Los Angeles
Black Image Center and Cushy Collective hosted a captivating private screening of the short film “The River,”. The event showcased the film’s profound exploration of Ethiopian culture and women’s experiences.
The screening, featuring light music and a thoughtful discussion led by Salem Daniel, was a resounding success with a full house. The event’s intimate setting and engaging dialogue provided a meaningful experience for all attendees.
LONDON
August 2024 began the European portion of the film screening tour. Screened at Art'otel London Hoxton, where creativity and cinema converged for a dynamic event celebrating the intersection of visual art and film. Working with Bounce Cinema and interdisciplinary creative Shaquille Shaniqua Joy who moderated the screening.
Curated for You
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Curated for You
AMSTERDAM
September 5th, 2024
Location: Theater Tuschinski, Amsterdam
Chucha Studios, in collaboration with TEN Women, hosted an exclusive film screening as part of Amsterdam Fashion Week. The event took place at the historic Theater Tuschinski and featured a special screening aligned with the fashion week celebrations.
Chucha Studios x Shea Moisture
Private Screening
October 17th, 2024
Location: The Africa Center, Harlem, New York City
Co-organized with Black Discourse and Womxn in Windows, The River was privately screened in collaboration with Shea Moisture at The Africa Center. A space for community, the audience engaged in storytelling and connecting discussion.
Curated for You
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TOKYO
October 25-27th, 2024
Location: Street Dreams Studio, Tokyo, Japan
“The River” film tour made its way to Tokyo, Japan, in collaboration with the renowned contemporary art space, Street Dreams Studios Tokyo. This three-day event featured screening of the film alongside the launch of the 17th edition of Street Dream Magazine.
Credits
Director and Writer: Herrana Addisu, Chucha Studios / Executive Producer Firehiwot Berhane Germay / Director of Photography Tedos Teffera Tesfaye / Production Company: Qene Films