Oromo Youth in US Lead African Film Renaissance

A film conference for a new Oromo, Horn of African film project was held in the University of Minnesota in the US on October 25, 2008. Oromia Student Union, Oromia Youth Association and International Oromo Youth Association organized the event in support of Halkan Dorrobaa (literally translated, Pregnant Night), a film project by a veteran African filmmaker Dhaba Wayessa.

"Halkan Dorrobaa portrays Oromo people´s historical journey under Ethiopian tyrannical rule by artistically expressing the dedication to stand free and tall, respect the positive values of life, care deeper than before or forgive like never before," said Wayessa.

Because of marginalization, Oromo films are largely under-developed or non-existent in Ethiopia compared to films in ruling languages.

Wayessa spoke about the importance of films to encourage cross-cultural commutations and understanding amongst parties in conflict. He stressed that this film will provide an opportunity for ruling Ethiopian groups to look at themselves from the point of view "others" construct for them. He envisions the film to serve the transcendental purpose of awakening humans from the dangers of narcissistic self-obsession that has been the tradition for far too long. The film project is a pure non-partisan artistic endeavor.

The discussions around this film project marked the need for Diaspora African communities to restart their cultural renaissance in western countries where they settled, fleeing from violence in their home countries.

Taking a good advantage of the freedom of expression and association that exist in the US, the Oromo youth have already responded to the lack of these freedoms in their country of origin, Ethiopia. It is hard to imagine active student associations and youth association who stand for cultural renaissance, human rights, freedom and justice in the conflict-ridden Horn Africa because the regimes here do not tolerate such formations. Oromo youth demonstrated a high quality of leadership in organizing this event as well as inviting several experienced speakers with fresh ideas.