Addis Ababa’s Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau has announced plans to digitize Ethiopia’s first color film, “Aster,” originally produced in 1983 by the Ethiopian Film Corporation. This initiative marks a significant step in preserving the nation’s cinematic heritage and making it accessible to future generations.

“Aster,” celebrated for its high-quality writing and production, was created entirely by Ethiopian professionals and reflects the national zeitgeist of its time. The film is recognized not only for its artistic value but also for its role in shaping Ethiopia’s cultural narrative.

During the inauguration ceremony, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abebei emphasized the importance of art in Ethiopia’s history and progress. “Art has played a crucial role in the victories achieved throughout our history and in our nation-building efforts,” she stated.

Hirut Kassaw, Head of the Addis Ababa Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau, highlighted the significance of early artworks like “Aster.” “Our artworks show us our origins and highlight our strengths while also revealing gaps that we need to address,” she noted. Hirut expressed hope that revisiting these early films would inspire efforts to fill those gaps.

The digitization of “Aster” is part of a broader effort to enhance Ethiopia’s film industry and ensure that significant cultural works are preserved for public viewing. The film will be converted from 35mm motion picture format to digital, allowing it to reach a wider audience and be passed on to the next generation.

This initiative not only honors Ethiopia’s rich cinematic history but also aims to encourage further development within the film industry, showcasing the talents of local filmmakers and actors. The digitization of “Aster” represents a commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to modern technological advancements in filmmaking.