Ezra Ejigu (tewedaje Media)
Film professional Theodros, who has been dubbed “the game changer of Ethiopian cinema in the 1990s,” was honored with a special appreciation ceremony held on Thursday, Tahsas 9, 2018 E.C.
The appreciation event, which took place in the evening at Golden Tulip Hotel, was attended by Theodros Teshome’s family members, fans, and close friends. A documentary focusing on Teddy was also screened during the event.
On the day, his friends expressed their love by presenting him with special gifts, and they praised him for standing firm in his profession with perseverance and consistency.
This appreciation dinner was primarily organized by Teddy’s close associates Yoni Vegas (concept initiator) and Samson Mamo. Other fans of Theodros Teshome also contributed their share to ensure the success of the event.
Theodros Teshome stated that being honored by his friends gave him great joy, and he explained that the ups and downs of his life taught him many lessons. He also advised that anyone who perseveres and remains steadfast in pursuing their goals will inevitably reach the peak of success.
Having spent an overall 30 years in the world of art, Theodros Teshome, starting from his 1989 E.C. film “Gelbet Alem” up to “About Mother Land,” is testified by those close to him as a professional who paid a great price and made significant contributions to the cinema industry.
The filmmaker Theodros Teshome also emphasized that he has deep love for his motherland, and he particularly expressed the special respect he holds for the Ethiopian National Defense Forces.
The film professional Theodros Teshome will celebrate his 56th birthday on Tahsas 29, and he was born in Jimma city.
He attended his primary education in Jimma city at Hermata Primary School. At the age of 16, he joined the Airborne unit during the period of forced national military conscription for youths. However, he escaped after less than a year. Later, he came to Addis Ababa, continued his education, and enrolled at Shimelis Habte Secondary School. He then proceeded to Addis Ababa Commercial College, where he completed his studies, as he stated in information he provided to Mezgebe Aemiro encyclopedia
Teddy began his career as a photographer, which sparked his love for the art of filmmaking.
After writing, directing, and producing his first film titled “Gelbet Alem” and presenting it to audiences, Teddy demonstrated strong dedication to producing better works. Two years later, in 1990 E.C., he made his second film titled “Seol.” This work attracted the attention of Midrock Ethiopia, which led to his employment as a full-time documentary film producer at the company. While working his regular job there, he produced the film “Kezkaza Wolafen.”
Afterwards, he devoted his full time to filmmaking and produced “Kezkaza Wolafen,” followed by “Fikir Sifered,” in which he also starred as the lead actor. Later, he made the film “Key Sihitet,” which he described as not having achieved the success he had hoped for.
Undeterred, he released “Abay Weys Vegas,” which brought him successful reception and results. He later presented a two-part film titled “Sost Ma’ezen.” Theodros gained numerous international awards, especially for “Sost Ma’ezen.” Domestically, he won the 2017 Guma Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film “Zimtayé.”
Theodros Teshome, who served as President of the Ethiopian Audio-Visual Producers Association, has dedicated his time and knowledge to his profession—from Teddy Studio, which he operated in the 1990s, up to the new and television series he is currently preparing to produce.
His film “About Mother land,” which focuses on patriotism and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, succeeded in winning an African Film Academy Award. The film, directed by Theodros Teshome, is also remembered for winning in the Visual Effects category.
As stated during today’s appreciation ceremony, this professional deserves recognition at the government level for raising his country’s name on international platforms.
Regarding the documentary prepared by Bini M’eraf and screened during the event, professionals testified unanimously that Theodros Teshome is kind-hearted, thoughtful, works tirelessly day and night to realize his dreams, and truly deserves to be called a pioneer of the film industry.
