PEOPLE | interview
Stills from Tikur Engda
A Higher Calling by SIMI KAMBOJ
With a slew of cultural and community initiatives, Esky Girmay is redefining the image of Ethiopia in Bahrain.
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odel, actress, philanthropist, businesswoman and film producer, sky Girmay has worn many hats over the course of her long years in the Kingdom. Two years ago, the mum-of-two quit her media job to concentrate on her work as the head of Action Committee for Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) and other business interests. Esky’s debut in Ethiopian cinema, Tikur Engda (Unexpected Guest) premiered to packed theatres in Bahrain this June. The movie is being released across Ethiopia and will do the rounds of international film festivals. In recognition of her years of cultural
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and community work, Esky is on the verge of being appointed representative of the Ethiopian community in the Kingdom. She speaks to us about her ideals, her identity and finding a voice on the global stage. Woman This Month (WTM): Tell us about your foray into cinema. Esky Girmay (EG): I’ve always wanted to do something artistic. I’m a huge fan of theatre, which I used to frequent every week when I was in Ethiopia. Being new to the industry, I didn’t want to go solo, so I teamed up with well-known actor and director Michael Tamire to found Hala Film Production. I ended
up acting in this movie which really touched my heart. It’s the story of a woman’s search for identity. WTM: Do you think Ethiopian cinema has arrived? EG: Ethiopian cinema is well established, although it has a long way to go. I think there’s a market for any great story regardless of who makes it. Recently, Angelina Jolie associated herself as executive producer of an Ethiopian film, Difret, which is now a blockbuster winning international awards. In Bahrain, my film premiere was sold out and many foreigners www.womanthismonth.com