Event
Difret
Three hours outside of Addis Ababa, a bright 14-year-old girl is on her way home from school when men on horses swoop in and kidnap her. The brave Hirut grabs a rifle and tries to escape, but ends up shooting her would-be husband. In her village, the practice of abduction into marriage is common and one of Ethiopia’s oldest traditions. Meaza Ashenafi, an empowered and tenacious young lawyer, arrives from the city to represent Hirut and argue that she acted in self-defense. Meaza boldly embarks on a collision course between enforcing civil authority and abiding by customary law, risking the ongoing work of her women’s legal-aid practice to save Hirut’s life.
Directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari
96 Minutes
In Amharic, with English subtitles
MPAA Rating - Unrated
Cinema Admission:
Real Art Ways Members: $5 | Senior & Student Members: $4.50
Regular Admission: $11 | Seniors (65+): $7 | Full-Time Students (With ID): $7
"...multilayered depiction of the deep roots of tradition is a hallmark of this film from Ethiopia"
"The compelling 'Difret' is a small film with a lot on its mind. Authentic and affecting"
