About this project
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:::MERKATO::: takes a personal journey through one of the largest & oldest open air markets in Africa (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). From the perspective of five personal stories a reflection emerges of a fascinating place that is a true microcosm of the human condition. The culture and way of life for many of Merkato's merchants is under threat by modern development. MERKATO is the final portrait of the people who LIVE, WORK and DREAM within this rapidly transforming reality.
MERKATO PHOTO JOURNAL/ merkato.onsugar.com
SNEAK PEAKS/ / :::WURRO::: :::HAWA:::: ::::GEDION::: :::ASHENAFI::::
This film is a beautiful and nuanced portrait of five unique individuals and their particular relationship with the market. The modern development in Ethiopia and its overall impact on the people and culture of this unique community is threatening the survival of MERKATO. I knew this moment had to be documented to share the unheard voices of the people affected the most. It has been a very exciting and personal journey filming MERKATO. I found a deeper insight in my own culture that was grounding and rewarding. I am so grateful for such a vibrant experience. I want to make this film & photo book because I have always loved this market; the smells, the people, the colors, the chaos! It just gives you an incredible feeling and I want to experience this with you.
For the next 45 days, I will be campaigning to raise the much needed finishing funds to support the film and have it be seen all over the world. I have already traveled to Ethiopia twice to direct, shoot, and photograph.
The funding will be used to:
--Create a proper mix and master of the sound design
-- Festival fees
-- Travel expenses
-- Printing/publication of the MERKATO photobook & other promotion materials
-- Fund a special screening for the people of the community in MERKATO, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
NONE of the pledges will be received unless I reach my goal, so please help make this happen. I really look forward to sharing MERKATO with you!
Thank you for all your love & support!!
::::Sosena::::
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 10.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
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Download of MERKATO featured song + Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
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Digital download of MERKATO. Download of MERKATO featured song + Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
Advanced DVD copy of MERKATO + Download of MERKATO featured song + Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO + Advanced DVD copy of MERKATO + Download of MERKATO featured song + Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
Authentic MERKATO tote bag + A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO + Advanced DVD copy of MERKATO + Download of MERKATO featured song + Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Special VIP photo badge (access to screenings & parties) + Ethiopian coffee, incense, and spices (handpicked from MERKATO) + Special Edition DVD copy of MERKATO plus added bonus footage and filmmaker's past works + Authentic MERKATO tote bag + A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO + Download of MERKATO featured song + Printable personalized MERKATO Thank You card (PDF.)
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Beautiful hard cover Photo Book with stunning images from MERKATO + Special Edition DVD copy of MERKATO plus added bonus footage and filmmaker's past works + Special VIP photo badge (access to screenings & parties) + Ethiopian coffee, incense, and spices (handpicked from MERKATO) + Authentic MERKATO tote bag + A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Name credit in Film + Beautiful hard cover Photo Book with stunning images from MERKATO + Special Edition DVD copy of MERKATO plus added bonus footage and filmmaker's past works + Special VIP photo badge (access to screenings & parties) Beautiful hard cover Photo Book with stunning images from MERKATO + Ethiopian coffee, incense, and spices (handpicked from MERKATO) + Authentic MERKATO tote bag+A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO
Pledge $1,500 or more Pledge $1,500 or more
3-5 minute video directed by film maker on topic of your choice + Name credit in Film + Beautiful hard cover Photo Book with stunning images from MERKATO + Special Edition DVD copy of MERKATO plus added bonus footage and filmmaker's past works + Special VIP photo badge (access to screenings & parties) Beautiful hard cover Photo Book with stunning images from MERKATO + Ethiopian coffee, incense, and spices (handpicked from MERKATO) + Authentic MERKATO tote bag + A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
Co-Executive Producer credit for film + official MERKATO poster framed + 3-5 minute video directed by film maker on topic of your choice + Name credit in Film + Special VIP photo badge (access to screening & parties) Beautiful hard cover Photo Book with stunning images from MERKATO + Special Edition DVD copy of MERKATO plus added bonus footage and filmmaker's past works + Ethiopian coffee, incense, and spices (handpicked from MERKATO) + Authentic MERKATO tote bag + A set of three beautiful Post Cards with a still from MERKATO
Project By
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Sosena Solomon is a Film Maker/ Art Director who originally hails from Ethiopia. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Television Production from Temple University and a Master of Fine Arts in Social Documentary Film from the School of Visual Arts. Her focus has been on visually exploring human stories which examine unfamiliar cultures and marginalized peoples.
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