Goitom Weldu, a young Tigrayan filmmaker, recently received international recognition as the winner of the 2024 JCS International Young Creatives Award. This prestigious award, presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, celebrates young filmmakers around the world who create impactful stories centered on peace. Each year, the award encourages participants to create a one-minute film that brings attention to global issues. Goitom’s submission, “A Refugee’s Plea for Peace,” captured the hearts of the judges with its sharp portrayal of children displaced by the war on Tigray.
Goitom’s journey into filmmaking wasn’t conventional. Starting out by creating music videos, he slowly gravitated toward storytelling through film, believing it could convey deeper, more powerful messages.
His inspiration struck as he listened to a radio program, covering stories about internally displaced people (IDPs) in Tigray. “I always listen to the radio,” he reflects when he joined us on Thursday.
“One day, I heard a story about children separated from their families, and that became my motivation—to amplify the voices of these children.”
With just two weeks before the competition’s deadline, Goitom learned about the opportunity to enter his film. Driven by his determination to highlight the struggles of IDPs, he dove into the project, overcoming numerous challenges. “It was very hard to work from here,” he explains. “Even with a good idea, getting permission to film in certain places is difficult. And above all, the financial challenges!” To fund his project, Goitom worked as a bodyguard for five days during the annual festival of Ashenda in Mekelle to save up enough for filming expenses.
At the heart of his film is a symbol of hope—a lantern. “The lantern is a traditional light,” he says. “People in rural areas still use it. It lights the dark and brings hope, even in hard times like ours.” He named his film ፋኑስ (Lantern) to represent resilience and the enduring spirit of those affected by the conflict.
Goitom’s aim for “A Refugee’s Plea for Peace” was clear: to bring attention to the suffering of IDPs and urge global humanitarian organizations to act. “The impact we wanted to create was to bring the suffering of the IDPs to the world,” he shares. “We wanted to send a message to the humanitarian community, to look at the helpless children in IDP camps.”
Though he has yet to receive his prize, Goitom feels immense pride in being recognized internationally. “I don’t even know what the prize is yet,” he admits, smiling.
“But I am very happy to be recognized after all these obstacles. It’s a support to help me make even better productions next time.”
Goitom’s message is rooted in his deep understanding of what peace means to those who have endured conflict. “Those who went through conflict know the preciousness of peace,” he says with conviction. “Peace is priceless. Irreplaceable!” He hopes that other artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers from Tigray will focus their work on the need for peace and the impact of the genocide committed on their people.
Looking Ahead
Goitom has ambitious plans for the future. He dreams of creating feature-length films in Tigrigna, focusing on preserving Tigray’s rich traditions and history. He is also passionate about sharing true stories of the atrocities suffered by Tigrayans, including survivor accounts of violence. “Finance could be one challenge,” he acknowledges, “but there will be a day when we will all grow and reveal the stories to the world.”
His advice to young people is simple yet powerful “The youth have to have confidence. Take experience from everywhere. Hard work pays.”
Goitom Weldu’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of storytelling. Through his work, he has not only shed light on the suffering of his people but has also offered a symbol of hope. As he continues to share the untold stories of Tigray, Goitom’s voice is set to resonate far beyond Ethiopia, reminding the world of the preciousness of peace and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
