Staying Put

While his friends dream of a better, modern life in Europe, Abebe journeys through ancient Ethiopia in search of crucial answers and a path to a meaningful life. In an observational ("Direct Cinema") style, we accompany the young Abebe on his personal quest.

The future remains uncertain, and his journey is unpredictable. Meanwhile, the centuries-old landscapes, monasteries, and rock-hewn churches remain untouched by time. The realities of daily life blend seamlessly with Abebe's surreal dreams.

Filmmaker Nico Bunnik shot and developed the film over six years, working closely with Abebe and his friends, Abush and Wogen. Through an intimate and unfiltered lens, we experience Abebe’s thoughts and struggles, following his quest from his own perspective.

"The film clarifies and humanises the subject of poverty, drought, future prospects and migration in a penetrating way that really appeals to the imagination.",
"This film is like a diamond in the rough and gave an exceptional insight into the lives of the characters."
"not pre-cooked and free from moralizing intentions."
"this purity is special",
"It is still happening always so little that we hear about life in Africa, this time Ethiopia, from Africans themselves."
Abebe himself, after seeing the finished film:
"It's a real and true story!"