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Anbessa is a 2019 documentary film that provides a unique perspective on the rapid urbanization of modern Ethiopia. The film tells the story of a young boy, Asalif Tewold, who lives on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's bustling capital city. As the city expands, Asalif and his family find themselves caught between traditional rural life and the modern world.

The film is directed by Mo Scarpelli, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and co-produced by Danai Gurira, a Tony-nominated actress best known for her roles in The Walking Dead and Black Panther. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2019, where it received critical acclaim and won the Peace Film Prize.

At the heart of Anbessa is Asalif, a young boy who dreams of becoming an Ethiopian lion, or an "Anbessa." Asalif spends his days exploring the fields and rubble around his home, playing with his friends, and imagining himself as a powerful, fearless lion. However, as the city expands, his childhood playground is slowly being devoured by development.

The film makes it clear that the construction boom in Addis Ababa is not always a positive force. Asalif's community is being threatened by bulldozers and cranes as new roads, buildings, and shopping malls are constructed. The residents of the area, who once lived in harmony with the natural world around them, are being pushed aside to make way for a new urban way of life.

Despite the challenges facing him and his family, Asalif continues to dream. However, as he grows older, his hopes are tempered by the reality of life on the margins of society. Asalif faces an uncertain future, but his optimism and tenacity shine through.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography capturing both the natural beauty of the Ethiopian countryside and the gritty reality of life in the city. The contrast between the two worlds is stark, with scenes of glittering skyscrapers jarring against shots of dusty, rural roads.

One of the most powerful aspects of Anbessa is its portrayal of the impact of urbanization on local communities. The film shows the displacement and dislocation that can be caused when cities grow too fast. It raises important questions about the cost of development and the value of preserving traditional cultures and ways of life.

The film's protagonists are all non-actors, with many of the supporting cast playing themselves. This lends an authenticity to the film that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. Asalif gives a heart-warming performance, and his bond with the animals around him is both touching and inspiring.

Overall, Anbessa is a thought-provoking and poignant film that explores important themes of identity, culture, and community. It tells the story of a young boy caught between two worlds, and the challenges he faces as he strives to find his place in a rapidly changing society. The film is a powerful reminder of the human cost of progress, and the need to balance development with the preservation of traditional ways of life.

Anbessa is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.