Say NO to Hollywood's Negative Publicity
By: Melkamu Zeleke
The last three decades were arguably the worst periods in otherwise proud history of our beloved and unique country. I have no intention to discuss the causes of our problems in the recent past. The objective of this letter is to bring to the attention of caring Ethiopians Hollywood's recent adventure and try to stop it before it adds another burden to an already distorted image of Ethiopia among the people of the world at large.
We learned from several news media that Hollywood is working with local film companies to fly indigenous actors and about two hundred Ethiopian farmers to Namibia and film them for a part in the movie "Beyond Borders". The part that these Ethiopians are expected to play is reportedly on the famine of 1980s.
Drought and thus shortage of food is not just a phenomenon unique to Ethiopia. It happens in every part of the world as we speak. The situation in Ethiopia was exacerbated by factors such as civil war, political upheaval, and poor leadership. The devastating famines of the 70s and 80s were reported in a very disproportionate manner by western media that the world sadly identifies Ethiopia with famine. While Ethiopia and Ethiopians are grateful to the generosity of the world during our troubled past, we are at the same time resentful of the reckless actions of some charities. They have used the faces of helpless children, women and elderly people to fatten their bank account. It was the campaign by these organizations and some immoral people that contributed to the wrong image the world has today about our beloved country and our proud people.
At the time all Ethiopians are struggling to do better for their nation and change the image of the country, Hollywood's help is the last thing we would like to see. I am not naïve and know very well that we are among the poorest nations in the world, however, we also have great achievements and culture that is the envy of others. We may not compete financially with a gigantic company such as Hollywood, but we can at least stop our own people from taking part in its attempt to make money by using them.
I look at Hollywood's attempt to use the faces of our brothers and sisters as extras in a movie that is going to do nothing, but humiliate our country, as an insult. Ethiopian filmmakers cooperating with strangers, who have no respect for us as a people and our achievements, must not be trapped by a short-term financial gain. Rest assured, Hollywood has no long term plan for Ethiopian artists and please think twice before you sell the pride that our forefathers fought and died for.
I would like to call up on all Ethiopians, the Ministry of Culture and Ethiopian Tourism Authority to voice against Hollywood's unwanted publicity and, if there is a need, to come together and find out a way to compensate financially those Ethiopian farmers drafted by Hollywood for its adventure.
[Opinions in this article are solely that of the writer.]