Theodros Teshome

Biography: Theodros is known for initiating the revival of the Ethiopian film industry in the early 2000s through the populist successes of his films, and for being one of the primary figures of the new filmmaking boom in the country. Theodros produces, directs, writes and often acts in his own films, and he has produced films that deal with social issues such as HIV, immigration, and violence against women as well as films with nationalistic content. Theodros produced and directed two of the highest grossing Ethiopian films of all time, Abay vs. Vegas (2011 G.C./2003 E.C.) and Kezkaza Welafegn (2003 G.C./1995 E.C.). He is the owner of Teddy Studios, one of the largest producers of films in Ethiopia, and Sebastopol Entertainment PLC (Sebastopol Cinema), which operates the biggest chain of private cinemas in Addis Ababa and other cities in Ethiopia, giving him significant control in both the production and distribution of films in the country. Sebastopol theater chains are dedicated to showing exclusively Ethiopian films across the country.