Begena Begenaye documentary

The Begena, a 10-stringed musical instrument of ancient origins and Biblical mention is found preserved in modern day Ethiopia. Mostly played solo and considered a devotional and sacred instrument, the Begena has survived the test of time; simultaneously avoiding the limelight and complete obscurity. A new generation of Begena players have now emerged echoing the ancient devotees of the instrument amidst globalization.

Begena Begenaye

A documentary film by

Eyerusalem and Melketsadek

Begena Begenaye is a feature-length documentary currently in production that explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of the begena, a 10-stringed instrument with ancient roots in Ethiopia. Revered for more than three millennia, the begena has been a symbol of spiritual devotion, meditation, and storytelling, connecting Ethiopia’s past with its present.

This documentary will follow the journeys of three young begena players, each representing a unique facet of the instrument’s history, ongoing evolution, and cultural importance. Their stories will highlight the challenges and triumphs of keeping the begena alive in a rapidly changing world, demonstrating how the instrument is being reinterpreted for modern audiences while honoring its deep historical roots. Through these exceptional begena players, we gain a deeper understanding of the instrument. They serve as our entry point into the world of the begena, and the relationship we’ve developed with them shapes the film in ways we hadn’t anticipated. Their sense of ownership, dedication, and time invested in sharing the begena's wonders are a constant source of inspiration, guiding us throughout the filmmaking process.

Personal Connection to the begena

The first aspect of the film focuses on the deep, personal connection that each protagonist has with the begena. Unlike instruments used for festive entertainment, the begena is traditionally tied to spiritual devotion and personal meditation. This is what drives players like Surafel Bahiru, a rising begena master, celebrated for his inventive fusion of traditional techniques and creative innovations. By day, he works as a bank teller, yet his heart belongs to the begena. Drawing inspiration from global devotional music, he weaves its melodies with the deep resonance of age-old begena arrangements passed down through generations, all the while infusing his own improvisations to create a sound that is entirely his own. Though Surafel has garnered recognition within online communities through his YouTube videos, his artistry remains largely unseen by the wider public. His journey is a poignant reflection of the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. Surafel’s path highlights the challenge of sustaining cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world, where traditional musicians must often juggle their passion with practical realities to survive.

The begena’s Historical Significance

The second aspect of Begena Begenaye delves into the begena’s role in Ethiopian history. The instrument has been present at major historical events, such as the Battle of Adwa, where over 100 begena players accompanied Ethiopian soldiers. It was also revered by the Ethiopian nobility, who considered begena playing an honorable pursuit. Mintesinot Tesfaye, is a dedicated begena player, teacher, and researcher. His passion for art, research and preservation of culture and the begena led him to filmmaking, where he attended film school to learn how to document the begena’s cultural legacy. He travels across Ethiopia to find ancient manuscripts, rare instruments, and the stories of elderly players who have preserved the begena's traditions. As a skilled instructor, Mintesinot has trained many aspiring musicians, ensuring the tradition is passed on. In this documentary, Mintesinot plays a crucial role in researching the begena's history, locating the homes of important figures, and gathering archival materials from universities, libraries, and TV stations. His efforts are vital to preserving and documenting the instrument's legacy.

Evolving the begena for the Future

The third aspect of the film explores the evolving role of the begena in the modern world. Ermias Haylay, a teacher, craftsman, and young father of two, stands as a key force in this transformation. At just 23 years old, Ermias runs a school dedicated to teaching the begena. His innovative approach to the instrument, coupled with his pioneering use of the begena in music therapy, is breathing new life into this ancient tradition. Ermias believes the begena’s unique frequencies have therapeutic potential, promoting healing and reducing stress. Through his work in nursing homes and hospitals, Ermias is adapting the begena’s sound to meet contemporary needs while preserving its spiritual essence. His efforts demonstrate how the begena can continue to serve both as a musical instrument and a tool for personal and communal well-being.

Creative Direction

Begena Begenaye invites the audience into the profoundly spiritual world of the begena. With a meditative pace, the film will emphasize the bond between the players and their instruments. Through intimate cinematography, we will capture the serene beauty of the begena’s sound, the quiet moments of devotion, and the sacred spaces where it is played—whether in humble homes, monasteries, or the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa.

While the film will reflect on these tranquil moments, it will also highlight the growing vibrancy of the begena’s resurgence. The contributions of the protagonists will be showcased through dynamic performance sequences, revealing their creativity and strength as they reinterpret the instrument for modern audiences. These performances will celebrate both tradition and innovation, illustrating how the begena evolves while staying true to its roots.

Structure and Narrative Flow

The structure of Begena Begenaye will fluidly weave between the past and present, tracing the begena’s evolution from its ancient origins to its contemporary revival. The stories of the three protagonists will be interwoven with historical context, highlighting the instrument’s significance over time while illustrating its growing importance in Ethiopia today.

Conclusion

Begena Begenaye showcases the transformative power of music to preserve culture, foster creativity, and empower communities. Through the lens of the begena, the film amplifies the voices of those preserving this ancient tradition, demonstrating how it inspires new generations to honor the past while embracing the future. The protagonists' personal stories reveal the begena as both a symbol of continuity and a living, evolving art form. Begena Begenaye hopes to create a space where the voices of the protagonists can be heard, showing how the instrument continues to inspire new generations while honoring the traditions of the past.

The Filmmakers

Melketsadek (Gizaw Tesfaye) is an Ethiopian-born director of photography with over two decades of experience as a professional photographer and graphic designer, bringing a refined artistic eye and a strong sense of visual aesthetics to his image making. He has contributed to a variety of roles in the camera and lighting departments across several film projects, quickly gaining expertise as a Grip, Gaffer, Camera Operator, and Cinematographer. Melketsadek has also been a key coordinator and instructor at the Luxor Film Festival, where he contributed to a series of annual workshops on the art of low-budget filmmaking, led by legendary independent filmmaker Haile Gerima. Currently, he is working as cinematographer and assistant editor on two upcoming docuseries by Haile Gerima: The Maroons and Black Lions, Roman Wolves.

Eyerusalem Seyoum is an Ethiopian-born photographer and multi-disciplinary artist. She began exploring filmmaking by enrolling in a one-year immersive film workshop led by Haile Gerima, alongside renowned filmmakers such as Alan Ferguson, Bradford Young, and Daniel Williams. The comprehensive workshop covered all aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, pre-production, budgeting, pitching, production, editing, and post-production workflow. In addition to her training, Eyerusalem has gained hands-on experience on several film sets, contributing as a production designer, production assistant, on-set/behind-the-scenes photographer, and camera operator.

Eyerusalem and Melketsadek continue to work on their first film, Begena Begenaye as well as continuing their photography career; recently collaborating with Grammy award winning musician Jon Baptise for the Beethoven Blues album art.