Tesfamaryam
Dargai Molla
An Ethiopian filmmaker, screenwriter,Director and producer renowned for his contributions to the country’s film industry. He is the founder and director of Shega Africa, a production company that specializes in short films, documentaries, and television commercials.
Introduction
Filmmaker Screenwriter Director and film producer Tesfamaryam Dargai Molla is a visionary Ethiopian filmmaker ,screenwriter ,Director and film producer whose work captures the complexities of everyday life through socially conscious storytelling and striking visual narratives. He is the founder of Shega Africa, a film and media company based in Addis Ababa that specializes in short films, documentaries, and branded content with a strong human focus.
His path into filmmaking was fueled by a deep commitment to social issues and the power of storytelling as a tool for change. Tesfamaryam earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mekelle University, where his interest in development and policy first intersected with creative expression. While working at Echo Africa as an economist, he became increasingly drawn to the
voices and struggles of local communities, which led him to storytelling as a form of advocacy.
To sharpen his cinematic skills, he studied filmmaking at Tom Videography School, where he developed a strong foundation in narrative design, character arcs, and visual storytelling. Since then, his films have been featured in numerous local and international festivals, winning awards and acclaim for their emotional depth and social relevance.
Tesfamaryam’s filmmaking is guided by empathy, close observation, and an ability to draw out powerful stories from quiet moments. With the precision of a director and the sensitivity of a writer, he crafts films that resonate deeply with audiences. His long-term vision is to contribute to a unique African cinematic voice one that is both rooted in local realities and emotionally universal.
Portfolio

Short film
ማይ ንጎሆ-PROMISE OF A NEW DAWN FILM
Theme: sheds light on rape survivors harshly suffering post-war, exposing societal unaccountability while exploring resilience, stigma, and the enduring strength of love and support
Altegenagnatom – Mismatch
Theme: A story about media literacy and modern communication struggles, symbolized by a torn note with a phone number.
Mehareben Yayachehu
Theme: Inspired by the Ethiopian children’s game Mehareben, the film explores the poem’s deeper meaning associated with it.
Tayalech – She Can See
Theme: A visually gifted girl helps her blind friends, symbolizing the power of inner light and compassion.
Where is my port ?
European Union film festival award winner
My Father Shall die - አባቴ ይሙት
‘አባቴ ይሙት!…’ የሚል ርዕስ የሰጠነው በአባቷ ስለተደፈረች ሕፃን የሚያጠነጥነውን ፊልማችንን እንሆ

Documentaries
Hope beats strong. An expectant mother, carrying twins, received a life-saving heart procedure at the Cardiac Center Ethiopia. Thanks to the skilled hands of Ethiopian interventional cardiologist Dr. Kefelegn Dejene and the support of Heart Attack Ethiopia, her future, and the future of her babies, is filled with hope.
Why is our nonprofit named “Heart Attack Ethiopia?” Our founder, Dr. Tesfaye Telila, explains the reason. To donate to our next mission
A crowdfunding campaign with Precise to bring solar energy to the Galeya Rogdha Clinic.
Theme: A thought-provoking documentary on inner peace and the responsible use of social media.
Theme: A docu-drama portraying the life and challenges of Ethiopian songwriter and singer Meswani, focusing on a controversial interview.
Cardiac patient Abel Asegid went through his entire childhood with a heart issue that kept him from doing so many activities with other children his age. Now, as a young adult, Abel is finally undergoing a life-saving surgery, thanks to the mission work of Heart Attack Ethiopia.
During our second mission to Ethiopia in August 2024, he and his team performed 13 open-heart surgeries, changing lives and inspiring hope. We are grateful for the dedication of elite professionals like him who make our mission trips to Ethiopia possible.
Too many patients are waiting for heart surgery and interventions in Ethiopia. Too few get the care they need. But you can help change that. Watch this eye-opening video and see how Heart Attack Ethiopia is fighting for every heartbeat.
This video previews “Heartbeat: The Life and Legacy of a Beloved Doctor” as a tribute to Dr. Abel Melkamu, a dedicated physician who tirelessly served the community of Dire Dawa. Dr. Melkamu, 45, diagnosed himself with a heart attack but was unable to receive the care necessary to save his life.
በሸጋ ፊልሞች ኮረም እና አላማጣ ከተሞች የተሰራው የዶኩድራማ ዘውግ ያለው ” ነፃ ምሳ የለም” የተሰኘ በትግራይ ሴቶች የአሸንዳ ናፍቆት ዙርያ የሚያጠነጥን የዶክመንተሪ ፊልም
Filmography and Achievements
Winner – European Union Migration short film Competition
2023: Official Selection – Knowmad Institut Short Film Festival (Germany
2024: Winner: Best Narrative Film, Kitfo Film Festival
Winner – European Union Migration short film Competition
2023: Official Selection – Knowmad Institut Short Film Festival (Germany)
2024: Winner: Best Narrative Film, Kitfo Film Festival
2023: Winner – Focus on Ability (Australia)
2024: Official Selection: Lift-Off Film Festival
2024: Quarterfinalist: Women Life Film Festival
2023: Winner – Focus on Ability (Australia)
2024: Official Selection: Lift-Off Film Festival
2024: Quarterfinalist: Women Life Film Festival
2019 and 2021: Winner – Inform Africa Film Competition
2021: Winner – Maleda Award
2019: Winner – Hybrid Design TV Commercial Competition
2019 and 2021: Winner – Inform Africa Film Competition
Short Film: Selam Lenate – Peace Up on You!
