In a world driven by stories, the media through which they are told can transform lives, shape perceptions, and foster cultural understanding. This is particularly true in Eritrea, a nation rich in tradition and heritage. Shishay Hayleab – a filmmaker emerging from this vibrant cultural landscape, has taken it upon himself to chronicle the wisdom and tales of his ancestors. In the following interview, we explore his journey from a small village to the screen, the importance of cultural storytelling, and his aspirations for the future.
Can you tell us about your background?
I was born in a small village called Adi Chigono in the May Mne sub-zone. My educational journey began in 1998 when my elementary school opened. I was a shepherd at that time, tending to goats and sheep with my peers. I longed to attend school, but by the time I learned about its opening, all the spots were taken. My father took me to the director, and I cried when I realized I had to wait for a year. 1999, I finally started school despite being older than my classmates. I walked an hour and a half to school each day, balancing my responsibilities as a student and a shepherd. From first grade on, I excelled, consistently ranking at the top of my class. I owe much of my drive to my teachers, who inspired all of us. One teacher in particular, Amanuel Abrha, significantly influenced my journey in arts. He gave us access to newspapers and magazines, igniting my passion for literature.
In competitions among schools and later at a regional level, I found success in poetry, acting, and short story writing. My early fascination with storytelling led me to gather tales from neighboring villages, which became essential to my artistic journey. I pursued both artistic and academic skills hand in hand, ultimately attending Sawa for my national service and complete high school. After excelling in my matriculation exams, I enrolled in the College of Arts and Social Sciences in Adikeyh, where I continued to hone my craft.
How did you start moviemaking?
My filmmaking journey began when the drama I wrote won first place at the festival of higher education institutions. Many encouraged me to transform that theatrical success into a movie. Instead, I chose to write a new screenplay. The title of my first film was “Qualba.” The process was a learning curve, especially the financial aspect. My family sold livestock to support the production, and I borrowed money from others. Unfortunately, I couldn’t repay what I borrowed and faced significant losses. I thought of giving up after an arduous three-year hiatus.
Then, a breakthrough came when Mr. Ibrahim Ali (Akla), head of cultural affairs at the PFDJ, reached out to me. His support was crucial in reigniting my passion for filmmaking. I returned to the craft and wrote my second film, “Adhal.” I faced a big challenge because my script featured a giant snake that needed 3D animation, which was rare back then. Many suggested cutting the snake from the story, but I stood my ground and insisted on keeping it. With the help of talented artists such as Seqr Romodan and Filmon Nexerab, we completed the film, including the animated giant snake, which took us thirteen months instead of the planned two months.
Your movies reflect how our society looked hundreds of years ago. Why do you write from that unique angle?
I believe that a writer’s perspective is shaped by his/ her upbringing. My village was steeped in traditions, and I grew up listening to the fables and legends passed down through generations. I love to portray our traditional way of life, showcasing our culture and philosophy. Eritreans from all ethnic backgrounds possess a rich cultural heritage—a treasure trove of stories, wisdom, and experiences. Our ancestors coexisted harmoniously, supporting each other during adversity, such as natural disasters or war. Their methods of conflict resolution and their wisdom are boundless. This heritage inspires me. I see it as my duty to preserve and share it, ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots. There exists a plethora of stories and invaluable lessons that not only can inspire our people but also resonate globally. By sharing our intangible heritage, we introduce the world to the richness of Eritrean culture.
Can you tell us about how you make your films?
Filmmaking is fundamentally about teamwork. While I may conceive a story, transforming it into a film involves the collaboration of many dedicated individuals. Since my stories hail from a long past, creating authentic settings and costumes presents unique challenges. Sometimes the movies require the employment of advanced technology, which can be particularly difficult due to the limited resources. However, I am fortunate to collaborate with passionate and creative artists who help bring our collective vision to life. Despite facing challenges, there are also abundant opportunities today. I firmly believe that creativity, focus, and dreaming big are essential for success. Self-development plays a pivotal role in turning dreams into reality. By advancing our skills and knowledge, we can build an industry capable of producing internationally recognized films.
What are your plans?
I have completed six series movies and one feature film, the most recent being “Zerubbabel,” which airs weekly on Eritv. My gratitude extends to the Ministry of Information for their unwavering support and to the central office of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, the Culture and Sports Commission of the Southern region, my family, and my colleagues. Their encouragement has been vital in bringing my projects to fruition. Looking ahead, I see myself as being at the beginning of a long journey in filmmaking. The vision I have for the future is expansive. There is so much more to explore and share through my art. My commitment to storytelling remains firm, and I aspire to continue documenting and representing our rich cultural legacy through film. I want to reiterate that this is just the beginning.
Thank you for your time.
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