Comments on: Chris Flaherty Speaks

By: ‘Migration of Beauty’ selected for 2009 African Diaspora Film Festival at Tadias Magazine

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:35:39 +0000

[...] whom we interviewed last May has spent time examining how Ethiopian Americans reacted to the violence that erupted [...]

By: Elizabeth Addis

Elizabeth Addis — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:20:16 +0000

Hi,

Hey Chris thank you for your great job you did for Ethiopian community and thank you for your effort.

When will movie will be avaliable for public to watch in DC area? Anyone knows? Please email me.

Thank you for your help!!!
Elizabeth

By: Paulos Zeryihun

Paulos Zeryihun — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:07:20 +0000

Jake,

Rahel Hailu did not say anything that is even remotely related to what you are talking about. You can make your point, without referring to someoneelse. She can correct me if I am wrong, but what Rahel said is about her own personal feelings about the uninviting nature of Ethiopian politics. That’s public knowledge.

Ethiopia is a very old country. It has survived all the major world events since human civilization began. Ethiopia has seen the Roman Empire rise and fall, Ethiopia has seen the Greeks rise and fall, she has witnessed the Otoman empire, and in our lifetime, Ethiopia has seen the rise and fall of the Russian Empire. And many, many more. And with god’s grace, she will survive the current turmoil too. Ethiopia is not only the land, but Ethiopia is the people. We are Ethiopia, no matter where we live, geographical location does not matter. Ethiopia is not protected by the troops, has never been protected by them and will never be protected by military might. That’s a joke. Ethiopia’s guardian is god. She is the source. The origin of humanity and history and civilization. And it will all end in Ethiopia, where it began.

Only, and if only, if we work with the same zeal and energy for peace, harmony, and understanding amongst each other, instead of tearing each other apart. I can see it in the eyes of my children, the Ethiopian American version of Nebelbal (hot fire) generation in Ethiopia. Next time, look at this kids carefully, then you can see in them that God has forgiven Ethiopia. They are so proud, intelligent, active, pure and free of hatered…and the old baggage. Maybe, and just maybe, the time has come for a new day in Ethiopia. Given the chance, I strongly believe, this new generation of kids both in Ethiopia and abroad are capable of taking Ethiopia to the old days of its glory, perhaps even better.

By: Jake

Jake — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:05:58 +0000

To comment on Hailu,
This film shows that Ethiopia has a long way to go in becoming a democracy. The director presents both points of view for the audience to judge. I don’t know why Ethiopians like to think of democracy as a taboo subject? The film shows that not all Ethiopians can go to sleep sound at night knowing about the election fraud, abuse, and torture. The title “Migration of Beauty” shows why they have to migrate here- because of the deplorable economic and democratic conditions the country has been fostered under for so many years. Ethiopia will NOT become a successful democracy and neither will the rest of Africa unless her people speak up against the oppressiveness of corrupt governments- Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, etc. Ethiopia could be so much more economically if it’s people spoke up and had elections and attract more foreign investors. But foreign investors will not invest in a country that is not stable. Migration of Beauty shows the stark story of Ethiopians coming here for exactly that reason.

By: Rahel Hailu

Rahel Hailu — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:05:49 +0000

Wow, what a great interview.

I don’t buy the film makers explanation of why he changed his mind of making a more positive film about our community. Something smells fishy. I think he was deceptive, until he got the story he wanted. The same old trick. Plus, dismissing our view as mere “perception”. What the hell is he thinking?

Here is another thing: “potentially flammable subject” (Besmam, bewold, bemenfes kidus), God protect us.

I agree (100%) with the Tadias interviewer that the young generation of Ethiopian Americans are turned off by the nasty nature of Ethiopian politics. I, for one, want nothing to do with it. I would rather focus my positive energy on Obama, a lesson in real democracy. And pray for unity for our people.

Wake up people…don’t let them divide you with “potentially flammable subject”

Still I am curious…so I will check it out.