Ethiopia is culturally fascinating, yet it is an underrated filming location. With ancient churches carved into mountains, stunning highlands, volcanic landscapes, and historic cities, Ethiopia is a treasure trove of scenery. Few major movies have been filmed here, but the films that have used Ethiopia as a backdrop show its incredible landscapes and rich culture. These movies feature the most beautiful and fascinating places in Ethiopia.
Lamb (2015)
Lamb was the first Ethiopian film ever selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. It gives viewers an authentic look at the country’s rural landscapes and the people who call them home. The movie follows a young boy living with his sheep in the Ethiopian highlands, surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful countryside. The scenery is both calm and rugged, giving audiences a look at a part of Ethiopia that is not usually seen in major international films. The movie also incorporates the traditions and daily lives of the people who live in the specific region. It is a quiet, emotional film that makes Ethiopia’s natural beauty shine from beginning to end.
The Good Lie (2014)
Starring Reese Witherspoon, The Good Lie tells the story of Sudanese refugees who escape their country during the Second Sudanese Civil War and eventually resettle in the United States. The movie includes important scenes set in Ethiopia, with filming occurring in Addis Ababa and nearby areas. Audiences see refugee camps, regular city streets, and various parts of everyday Ethiopian life. The movie gives viewers a glimpse at refugee life and the humanitarian efforts that have helped people fleeing conflicts in the region. While Ethiopia isn’t the main focus of the story, The Good Lie shows a side of the country that many haven’t seen before.
Difret (2014)
Difret is an Ethiopian film that has been internationally recognized. The movie was made with the goal of sharing an Ethiopian story with the world. Based on a true story, the movie is about a young girl and the lawyer fighting for her. It features both Addis Ababa and rural communities, showing the different sides of Ethiopian life and tradition. This one is a close-up look at modern life in Ethiopia.
The Athlete (2009)
This Ethiopian drama tells the true story of marathon runner Abebe Bikila, the first African to win an Olympic gold medal. The movie was filmed in Ethiopia and was Ethiopia’s submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It includes plenty of footage of the country’s capital, landscapes, and, of course, running culture. It shows how deeply connected Ethiopia is to athletics and how sports are part of its national pride. Bikila became a national hero, and his story explores both his home country and the incredible place running holds in Ethiopia’s history. This one is notable for featuring views of the country outside of the typical tourist destinations.