Born and raised in Bahir Dar, in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, filmmaker Elisabeth Adame traces her earliest connection to cinema to the quiet moments of her childhood—when she would mimic scenes from the television dramas that flickered across her family’s screen.
What began as playful imitation for her siblings soon evolved into stage performances in school and local youth clubs, nurturing a fascination with storytelling that would later define her life’s path. Over time, a pastime turned into a purpose: to tell stories through film.
That dream took a decisive turn when Elisabeth moved to the United States to study filmmaking—an experience she describes as the realization of a childhood vision. “Film, for me, has always been more than storytelling,” she told The Reporter. “It’s a bridge between imagination and experience, connecting who we are with who we hope to become.”
Her studies at the New York Film Academy, which she joined in 2012 to pursue film acting, opened a new world of creative rigor. After completing her training, she performed in several Off-Broadway productions across small New York theaters before moving to Los Angeles to continue her education and earn a bachelor’s degree in film.
For Elisabeth, the path was far from straightforward. “Many people in my life questioned why I didn’t study nursing or something that promised better income,” she recalled with a smile. “But my goal was never just to make money—it was to honor a dream I had sacrificed so much for.”
Before film school, she built a different life altogether. In Italy, she trained as a hairdresser, later opening her own salon in Baltimore, Maryland. Leaving a stable business to chase a career in cinema came with real risks—and plenty of unsolicited advice.
Still, she followed her conviction. “If a person’s talent isn’t for doctoring, they’ll become doctors who make mistakes,” she said. “Working without passion—whether as a doctor or a hairdresser—doesn’t lead to fulfilment or real success.”
Elisabeth’s graduation project marked her first foray into filmmaking. She created an educational short film, Asalafi (“The Bartender”), which explored domestic violence and the efforts of individuals seeking to transform the lives of young people affected by alcohol addiction and family abuse.
The short film opened doors to the industry, leading to an unexpected opportunity: she was invited to work on a documentary about Ethiopia. Though she had no prior experience, the producer offered her the role of casting director. Elisabeth accepted—but on one condition: the project must not portray her country negatively.
The resulting one-hour, twenty-minute documentary included a court scene depicting the atrocities of the Red Terror. Casting proved challenging; Elisabeth scoured communities to find actors, navigating obstacles that would later inspire her to create a platform for Ethiopian filmmakers.
With the support of fellow Ethiopians Negede Yilma and Dagmawi Abebe, Elisabeth helped establish a film association designed to connect professionals worldwide and foster collaboration. Today, she serves as its president. The California-based, volunteer-run nonprofit has grown to more than 300 members.
Elisabeth believes Ethiopian cinema has untapped potential, driven by a generation rich in talent and creativity. She encourages filmmakers—whether TikTokers, YouTubers, or traditional producers—to focus on work that reflects Ethiopia in a positive light.
Balancing filmmaking with a day job, she notes, is not a barrier. The proliferation of digital technology and social media has made recognition more accessible than ever.
“Many professionals in the past faced significant challenges with equipment and access to networks. One should work with the better opportunities available today,” she said. “Working only for money and fame is a waste.”
Abraham Tekle contributed to this story.
By Yonas Amare and Abraham Tekle
