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Lalibela

A hybrid documentary/fiction short exploring personal journey as it relates to the American refugee community. Transitioning from their home country into a new one, refugees often undertake the challenges of learning a new language. The film follows the lives of Soria played by Habiba Buro (Ethiopian) and Yusuf Mohamed (Somalian) staged in the backdrop of an english class room, the story follows migrants living in Upstate New York, as they embark on a journey of culture assimilation.

  • Hlumela Matika
    Director
  • Hlumela Matika
    Writer
  • Syracuse University MFA Film
    Producer
  • Habiba Boru
    Key Cast
  • Yusuf Mohamed
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 4, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF)
    Silicon Valley
    United States
    September 29, 2017
    West Coast Premiere
  • African International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
    Lagos
    Nigeria
    November 1, 2017
    West Africa
    Semi Finalist
Director Biography - Hlumela Matika

Hlumela Matika is a Fulbright First Year Graduate film maker from South Africa who now lives in Syracuse. She obtained her undergraduate Degree from the South African School of Motion Picture and Live Performance (AFDA) in Cape Town and has working experience in both the South African and International Film Industry. She has also worked as a Stage Manager for the Isango Portobello Theatre Ensemble. Her passion lies in investigating and cultivating the African aesthetic in Cinema.

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Director Statement

In approaching the project her interests lied in topics that are often dehumanized because of one sided political and economic stigmas, often perpetuated by the media. As an immigrant in the USA herself, the topic of displacement and assimilation to a new culture was a natural gravitation and interest. She has also worked closely with CYO (Catholic Youth Charities) having the opportunity to work with the Syracuse Refugee community, talking to locals about their experiences in the USA. These conversations meant unravelling and discussing on a personal level the global discourse and political challenges the USA is experiencing in the current times but also maybe even most importantly what that means on a day to day basis for an immigrant currently in the country.