Teza (2008)
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
The Ethiopian intellectual Anberber (Aaron Arefe) returns to his native country during the repressive totalitarian regime of Haile Mariam Mengistu and the recognition of his own displacement and powerlessness at the dissolution of his people's humanity and social values. After several years spent studying medicine in Germany, he finds the country of his youth replaced by turmoil. His dream of using his craft to improve the health of Ethiopians is squashed by a military junta that uses scientists for its own political ends. Seeking the comfort of his countryside home, Anberber finds no refuge from violence. The solace that the memories of his youth provide is quickly replaced by the competing forces of military and rebelling factions. Anberber needs to decide whether he wants to bear the strain or piece together a life from the fragments that lie around him. - Actors:
- Aaron Arefe, Abiye Tedla, Takelech Beyene, Teje Tesfahun, Nebiyu Baye, Wuhib Bayu, Araba E. Johnston Arthur, Veronika Avraham, Mengistu Zelalem
- Directors:
- Haile Gerima
- Writers:
- Haile Gerima
- Aka:
- Morning Dew
- Genres:
- Drama
- Countries:
- Ethiopia
- Awards:
Reviews (1) of Teza
Pieces, Whenever It Wants - Teza review by griggs
Finished this feeling a bit embarrassed at how little I actually knew about this bit of Ethiopian history. Teza fills in some of those blanks, and does it through people rather than headlines.
Aaron Arefe plays Anberber, and he’s the centre of it — this exhausted, wounded guy who used to believe in the revolution and is now just trying to work out where he fits. Idealistic student in Germany, disillusioned returnee back home, and Gerima makes you feel every step of that slide. Germany’s not some easy out either — he gets an education, racism and alienation, then comes back to find the revolution’s gone properly ugly.
I liked that it doesn’t do the story in order. Memory just turns up in pieces, whenever it wants, which is honestly how it should feel. Gerima trusts his images a lot — landscapes, faces, sudden bursts of violence that tell you more than half the dialogue does.
Then the voiceover shows up and ruins the mood a bit, explaining feelings Arefe’s face was already doing fine on its own.
At two hours plus it definitely bites off more than it can chew, but I’d sit through it again just for Arefe.