Halie Gerima, a renowned filmmaker and educator, embarked on a journey to the United States from his native Gondar, Ethiopia, with a passion for acting and directing. He enrolled at the Goodman Theater in Chicago, Illinois, before transferring to the Theater Department at UCLA, where he completed his Master's Program in Film.
After graduating, Gerima relocated to Washington, DC, to share his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of filmmakers at Howard University's Department of Radio, Television, and Film. For over twenty-five years, he has inspired and mentored numerous young filmmakers, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Gerima's work is deeply rooted in his experiences and influences, which include his time at UCLA, where he studied alongside the acclaimed filmmaker Charles Burnett. He was also heavily influenced by the celebrated Black poet and educator Sterling Brown. As a result, his films are characterized by their exploration of the issues and history relevant to the African diaspora, from the continent itself to the Americas and Western Hemisphere.
One of the distinctive features of Gerima's films is their focus on telling the stories of Africans and members of the African Diaspora from their own perspectives, rather than being filtered through the lens of more commercially oriented filmmakers. This approach allows for a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of the experiences of Black people during and after slavery.
Gerima's unique filmmaking style is coupled with a personal mission to correct long-held misconceptions about the varied histories of Black people throughout the world. As a result, he is widely regarded as a master teacher in both the classroom and behind the camera, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and students alike.
