A film training workshop organized by the Ethiopian International Film festival (ETHIOIFF) in partnership with The Netherlands Embassy in Addis Abeba has kicked off here in the capital. The training workshop scheduled to last between 15th and 30th of August has a theme “Social Responsibilities & Human Rights” and is taking place at VAMDAS Cinema. Around 12 people with backgrounds ranging from directing, producing, camera and editing skills are participating in the workshop, according to a statement from the organizers.
Ethiopian International Film festival (ETHIOIFF), in partnership with The Netherland Embassy, kicks off an intensive film training workshop on the “Social Responsibilities & Human Rights” on yesterday to take place until 30th of August 2018, in VAMDAS Cinema. Around 12 people with a range of directing, producing, camera and editing skills are participants of the workshop.
The workshop is designed to encourage filmmakers in Ethiopia to make a variety of socially responsible short films, in order to promote tolerance and mutual understanding. The workshop also aims to develop the professional skills and standards of Ethiopian cinema.
The workshop starts with the theory to promote the concept of socially responsible films and continue with a pitching exercise in which participants put forward ideas for socially responsible documentaries to a panel of experts. Workshop participants expected to discuss the importance of responsibly examining cultural, social and human right themes in their work. They also expected to consider the power and popularity of the film medium and how that power can be used to have either a positive or negative impact in a society. At the end of the workshop a smaller group of participants will produce 5-10min short film with social themes. This short film will be shown in the 13th edition of Ethiopian International film festival in Addis Ababa as well as in the partner festivals across the world.
EPRDF reviews gains from reform initiative
Executive Committee of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) concluded its regular session held 20-22 August 2018.
During its three-day meeting, the Committee reviewed the gains made from realization of the reform initiative, according to a statement Office of EPRDF sent to FBC today.
The Committee confirmed that great and unbelievable achievements were made from the reforms undertaken in a short period of time.
It also praised the successes achieved in the political, diplomatic, and socio-economic sectors as well as the peace deal reached between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the toughening of ties with neighboring and Middle East countries.
The Committee evaluated the release of Ethiopian prisoners at home and abroad, negotiations held with armed groups, opening of blocked websites and efforts made to reform the justice system as a positive move, which according to the Committee would help widening the political space.
It also praised the measures taken to strengthen unity of Ethiopians by unifying the two synods of the Ethiopian Orthodox churches and reconciling the Muslim community.
The Committee commended the measures taken to curb shortage of foreign currency and the ongoing efforts to finalize delayed projects.
However, it underscored the need to boost productivity of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors and called for the utilization of all means to reduce inflation to a single digit, and to exert more efforts to ensure rule of law and realize the reform.
The Committee finally called on the public to strengthen their support for the sustainability of the reform launched at a national level.
One million in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in southern Ethiopia
Over 900,000 people have been displaced along the border between Gedeo and West Guji zones, respectively in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and Oromia regions of Ethiopia, due to a recent surge of inter-communal violence.
After an initial assessment of the crisis, MSF has launched an emergency response to address the most urgent needs of displaced people.
“Given the scale of the emergency, and with so many people displaced from their homes in such a short space of time, getting shelter, essential relief items, water, hygiene and health services in place is a priority,” says Alessandra Saibene, who is coordinating MSF’s emergency response.
“Most people left their homes in a hurry and arrived with nothing. Families are sleeping on the floor in vacant buildings, like schools or churches, and sometimes even on the bare ground outside with only banana leaves or a plastic sheet for cover.”
Even before the current crisis, the region was one of most densely populated places in the country. The rapid influx of displaced people has further stretched the available resources and public services. Despite a government-led intervention providing healthcare, food and essential relief items, there are still serious gaps in the provision of shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, with living conditions being of particular concern.
“When so many people live together in crowded and cramped conditions, with limited access to clean water and insufficient latrines, the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases is very high. We need to act quickly to improve the conditions in the sites where displaced people are staying, otherwise the situation will only get worse.”
MSF, in coordination with other humanitarian actors, is urgently building latrines and installing water and sanitation infrastructure in Kochere and Gedeb districts. The organisation is also trucking in clean water for people to drink, and improving hygiene and water access in local health facilities.
Love Your Tyres: Life Hacks for tyre maintenance
Did you know that at 60km/h the sole contact between the road and your car is a small patch on your tyres about the size of your palm? As the only part of your car that physically touches the ground, it’s imperative your tyres are properly maintained.
Derek Kirkby, Training Director at Ford’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL), a programme which aims to promote a safe and economical driving culture, says that tyres in good shape ensure a much safer journey, and even increase fuel efficiency. “If you are just 0.3 BAR below the optimum tyre pressure, you increase the rolling resistance of your vehicle by up to 10 per cent,” he says. “And optimum tyre pressure can provide up to three per cent better fuel economy. It all adds up!”
Ford Motor Company and DSFL offers you four easy-to-remember tips on how to be more ‘street smart’, and show your tyres the love they deserve.
