Haile Gerima

Haile Gerima is an Ethiopian-born filmmaker and professor in the School of Film/Video at California Institute of the Arts. He is best known for his feature films, which often focus on themes of African American history and culture. His works include Sankofa (1993), which won the International Critics Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and Teza (2008), which won the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

Gerima was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1946, the son of an Ethiopian diplomat. He studied filmmaking in Cuba, and in 1975, he moved to the United States to pursue his education. In 1981, he received his MFA from UCLA, where he studied with renowned filmmaker Charles Burnett.

Throughout his career, Gerima has tackled difficult topics such as the African diaspora, racism, and identity. His films are often characterized by their use of long takes, poetic imagery, and naturalistic performances. His films often focus on African American characters, but he has also tackled broader themes such as the struggles of the African continent and the effects of colonialism.

Gerima has also made several documentaries, including Harvest 3000 Years (1976) and Bush Mama (1979). He has also written and directed several short films, including the acclaimed short film Ashes and Embers (1982), which tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran struggling to find his way in the world.

In addition to his filmmaking, Gerima has also been involved in teaching. He has held teaching positions at Howard University, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the California Institute of the Arts. He has also served as a mentor to many young filmmakers.

Haile Gerima is one of the most prominent African American filmmakers of the last few decades. His films have been critically acclaimed and have won numerous awards. He is a respected leader in the field, and his works continue to influence filmmakers around the world.