Teza

TEZA follows the narrative of Anberber, who after spending many years in Germany, is led to return to his home in Ethiopia by haunting spirits and visions from his childhood. Using the power of memory as its primary device, TEZA recounts the historical circumstances that have framed the context in which contemporary Ethiopia exists. Through a broader lens, TEZA focuses on the ways in which political upheaval and social change have impacted cultures and nations throughout the world.

AWARDS

FESPACO PAN-AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

Golden Stallion of Yennenga for Best Picture

World Bank-United Nations Joint Prize for Highlighting the Fight Against Poverty

Zain Prize for Originality, Technical Quality and Performance

“Stands as a richly expansive portrait of a man caught between an untenable exile and the terrible consequences of his homeland's violent past.” (Andrew Schenker, Village Voice)

The director “doesn't just reject political, philosophical, sexual, racial and spiritual dogma of every sort. He seems to view dogma itself as the one true evil: the ideological armor of bullies throughout history; the enemy of freedom, of art, of happiness itself.” (Matt Zoller Seitz, New York Times)

“Gerima opposes the utter triviality of movies about black peoples’ lives. He’s made a deeply-felt drama about the complexity of the diaspora experience—a connection to Africa, the Mother continent, that gets totally ignored in most films we see.” (Armond White, New York Press)

ROTTERDAM FILM FESTIVAL

Dioraphite Award



VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

Special Jury Prize

Osella Award for Best Screenplay

SIGNIS Award

Cinema for UNICEF Commendation

Leoncino d'oro Award



CINEMAVVENIRE

Cinema for Peace and the Richness of Diversity Award



CARTHAGE/TUNISIA FILM FESTIVAL

Golden Tanit Award for Best Long Form Feature Film

Best Screenplay

Best Music

Best Cinematography

Best Male Supporting Role



AMIENS/FRANCE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Golden Unicorn for Best Feature Film



THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL

Human Values Award



CINEMAFRICA SWEDEN

Festival Prize



DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Best Composer