The tradition of abducting girls for marriage has made headlines in South Africa, as the apparent epidemic wreaks havoc in communities of the Eastern Cape. The custom, often instigated or approved by a young girl’s parents and / or elders is known as “Ukuthwala’ and is not unique to South Africa.
“Telefa’, as the practice is known in Ethiopia, is the subject of a new film by director Zeresenay Berhane Mehari titled Difret, which recounts the true story of a 14-year-old kidnapped bride, who stands trial for murdering the man she is forced to wed.
Mehari says: “What pushed me to make this story is that we never question the things that are handed down to us traditionally. This is one of many – I wanted to take that and see if we could talk about it and see how the country would respond.’
Mehari comments that the word “Difret’ has two meanings: the first is “courage’, the second is “rape’.
Human rights activist and Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie joined the production in the role of Executive Producer and said: “It is inspiring to see such an important story so beautifully illustrated with such creative talent. It draws out the richness of Ethiopian culture and shows how important legal advances can be made while respecting local culture. It is a story that gives hope for Ethiopia’s future, and for other countries where countless girls grow up without the protection of laws that shield them and their bodies, and shows how the courage of brave individuals can awaken the conscience of a society.’
The film, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and won the award for Best Fiction Film screening in the Panorama section, marks a turning point in its home country, examining a case which represents a change in the way Ethiopia views and handles these crimes.
View an excerpt from Difret.
