Watch City of Dreams

City of Dreams is a documentary film that takes viewers to Ethiopia, providing them with a glimpse of the country's rich, colorful, and diverse history and culture. The movie is narrated by Naigzy Gebremedhin, an acclaimed Ethiopian actor, and features interviews with various prominent Ethiopians. The film begins by taking viewers to the ancient city of Axum, which was once the capital of the powerful Axumite Kingdom. Here, viewers are shown the towering obelisks that still stand, testaments to the wealth and power of a civilization that once dominated trade routes between the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa. The movie then moves on to the famed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's most popular tourist attractions. Here, viewers are treated to breathtaking views of the structures, which were built in the 12th century and are still used by Orthodox Christians for worship today.

The film also explores Ethiopia's more recent political history, including its resistance to Italian colonialism in the early 20th century and the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. We hear from Ethiopians who lived through these tumultuous times, including historian Bahru Zewde and lawyer-turned-politician Birtukan Mideksa.

The movie also touches upon Ethiopia's music scene, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. Interviews with musicians such as Teddy Afro and Aster Aweke illustrate the country's deep connection to music and the importance of art in Ethiopian culture. We also get a glimpse into the country's vibrant coffee culture, from the traditional coffee ceremonies held in Ethiopian homes to the country's burgeoning specialty coffee industry.

One of the most striking aspects of City of Dreams is the way in which it portrays Ethiopia's diversity. The film highlights the country's many different ethnic groups and their distinct customs and traditions. We see the Oromo people performing their traditional dances and hear from members of the Tigrayan community about their history and way of life. Despite the rich tapestry of Ethiopian culture, however, the movie also touches on the challenges faced by the country, including poverty, political instability, and ethnic tension.

The film's cinematography is also worth noting. From sweeping shots of Ethiopia's rugged landscapes to close-ups of intricate Orthodox Christian iconography, the movie is visually stunning. The use of aerial footage to showcase Ethiopia's natural beauty is particularly effective, lending the film a dreamlike quality that matches its title.

Overall, City of Dreams is a captivating and informative look at one of Africa's most fascinating countries. Director Stuart Cameron has crafted a thoughtful and well-researched documentary that is both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply curious about Ethiopia's rich history and culture, this film is definitely worth a watch.

City of Dreams is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.