Kidist Bayelegne

Kidist Bayelegne is an Ethiopian female film director and writer.
She was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kidist received her B.A. in Psychology from Addis Ababa University.
As a student, she became involved in the art of filmmaking as an actress. She appeared on local television commercials and played the leading role in YeLot Shishit (1997). Later she moved behind the cameras, and is the scriptwriter, producer, and director of Hiwote Endewaza (1998) and EseBeles (Tree of Knowledge) (2004).
Her first film, Hiwot Endewaza, was about the lives of Ethiopian women in Middle East. Her latest work, EseBelese, is a film about Ethiopian immigrants' experience in the United States. Her films are commended for their focus on often-overlooked social and cultural issues within Ethiopian community.
Kidist made a name for herself in Ethiopia, where the film industry is underdeveloped and struggling filmmakers are confronted by financial and technical obstacles.
Kidist moved to the U.S. in 1999, and currently lives in Washington, DC. She is married with baby girl.
Selected filmography as director
*YeLot Shishit (1997)
*Hiwote Endewaza (1998)
*EtseBeles (2004)

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