Difret
Directed by Zeresenay Mehari
Starring Meron Getnet, Tizita Hagere, Haregewine Assefa, Brook Sheferaw and Mekonen Laeake
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.
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Reviews
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★★★★ review by Vanessa on Letterboxd
Between this and Mustang, I'm literally ready to cut any dusty old man who dares touch a girl in my sight. 🔪🔪🔪
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★★★★ review by Peter H on Letterboxd
March Around the World 2018: Ethiopia
This movie held me rapt for its entire runtime, and I legitimately bawled at the end of it. An amazing look at a fight for women's rights and the balance between tradition and progress. Some of the foreshadowing at the beginning is a little on the nose, but otherwise I found the story to be flawless.
P.S. I love the men's fashion in this movie.
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★★★★ review by Hannah on Letterboxd
A very powerful film that tackles a difficult subject in an impactful way. There are some great performances in Difret. Some of the technical aspects, such as cinematography, let it down. The sound design was perfect. At times the film can be more show, than tell. I thoroughly recommend watching.
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★★★★★ review by zoë 💖💙💜 on Letterboxd
women can do anything
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★★★½ review by Matt Thomas on Letterboxd
An important subject matter which is presented really well. Emotionally impactful and moving. The budget limitations show in some scenes though.
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