“A Day in the Life” with: Toronto Filmmaker Tamara Mariam Dawit

Joel Levy — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:33:04 +0000

Tamara Mariam Dawit is a filmmaker, producer, and storyteller whose Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Canadian heritage inspires her to create films that challenge dominant narratives and amplify underrepresented voices. Her work is a personal exploration of history, justice, and identity, often focusing on contemporary Ethiopian history and elevating Ethiopian stories. From uncovering family secrets in “Finding Sally” to bold new projects like “Made in Ethiopia” and “Alazar,” premiering at TIFF, Tamara’s films are insightful and impactful. Beyond filmmaking, Tamara is a passionate advocate for a more inclusive screen industry. Through her board roles with the East African Screen Collective and the Racial Equity Media Collective, she champions equitable practices and supports for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creators. She also dedicates time to training BIPOC filmmakers in Canada, Europe, and East Africa, ensuring diverse voices are heard on screen. To those who know her, Tamara is a dedicated and tenacious individual, deeply committed to her community and heritage. She is a tireless advocate for the power of storytelling, using her platform to uplift others and create space for voices that deserve to be heard. Tamara’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the power of stories to inspire change.

Tamara at the Tribeca Film Festival for Made in Ethiopia Premier

Tamara on Bole Road Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Production Still from Finding Sally

Tamara with the industry guests and filmmakers at the East African Screen Collectives Development lab in Zanzibar Tanzania for which is the country led for Ethiopia.

Tamara with the director Beza Hailu Lemma and producers and crew at the premiere of Alazar at the Cannes Film Festival

Tamara with her group of graduating producers at the National Screen Institute Access Producers Program where Tamara is a head of studies and a group leader

Tamara with directors Max Duncan and Xinyan Yu at the Tribeca Film Festival for Made in Ethiopia Premier

Still from Made in Ethiopia a feature documentary produced by Tamara

Production still from Alazar which premiered in 2024 at the Cannes Film Festival and was produced by Tamara

Tamara with co-panellists producer Amil Shivji, Documentary Africa Executive Director Mohamed Ouma and EAVE CEO Kristina Trap at the Durban Film Market Panel on Inclusive Co-Production which she moderated

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Which ’hood are you in?

Liberty Village

What do you do?

I’m a Filmmaker

What are you currently working on?

A documentary about WW2 in Ethiopia.

Where can we find your work?

ALAZAR, screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and to get screening. Details for my other films, including Made in Ethiopia or Finding Sally, they can be found on my website.

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Tamara Mariam Dawit Archives - Toronto Guardian

“A Day in the Life” with: Toronto Filmmaker Tamara Mariam Dawit