TEZETA tells the story of 40 Armenians orphans who were adopted by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie in 1924, paving the way for their role as the first Ethiopian imperial band. These same Genocide survivors would compose Ethiopia's first national anthem, help popularize brass instruments, and in later decades would help spark a jazz fusion revolution that swept the country. Told through first-hand accounts, TEZETA reveals a uniquely Ethiopian musical story that was once lost to memory.
Presented with the support of Kevin McNeilly and the UBC branch of The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation.
UPDATE: This film was part of a collaboration and does not represent MENA’s political views and contains scenes that may not align with our commitment to social justice and Black Solidarity. We take full accountability of any harm that has been caused due to screening this film.
During the January 2024 screening, this film upset some black and Ethiopian community members, who flagged certain scenes as problematic and upsetting.
