Beza Hailu Lemma is one of the most promising voices in contemporary Ethiopian cinema. Based in Addis Ababa, he has earned international recognition for his unique storytelling style, which blends documentary realism with spiritual, cultural, and philosophical themes deeply rooted in Ethiopian society. Although he graduated from Addis Ababa University in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, his passion for film led him toward a creative career in directing, screenwriting, and producing.
Beza first gained attention through his short films such as Ballad of the Spirits and Adey Abeba, works that explored themes of faith, identity, memory, and tradition. His storytelling often reflects the tension between modern urban life and Ethiopia’s ancient religious and cultural practices. Through visually poetic filmmaking, he captures emotions and social realities that resonate both locally and internationally.
In 2024, Ethiopian filmmaker Beza Hailu Lemma wrote and directed the short film Alazar, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and later screened at nearly 40 film festivals around the world. The film received more than 12 international awards, including the Silver Stallion for Short Film at FESPACO and the Silver Yusr at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Beyond his filmmaking achievements, Beza is also the co-founder and creative director of Videobet, an Addis Ababa–based cinema and film center committed to supporting independent and artistic filmmaking in Ethiopia.
Beyond filmmaking, Beza Hailu Lemma has participated in prestigious global programs
such as Berlinale Talents, TIFF Filmmakers Lab, and Cannes’ L’Atelier, establishing himself as a leading figure among the new generation of African filmmakers.
