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

Documentaries

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

Short Film: Where is My Port

2023: Official Selection – Knowmad Institut Short Film Festival (Germany)

Short Film: Naja

2024: Winner: Best Narrative Film, Kitfo Film Festival

“ማይ ንጎሆ” (Promise of a New Dawn)

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)

Docu-Drama: Meswani

2024: Official Selection: Lift-Off Film Festival

“ማይ ንጎሆ” (Promise of a New Dawn)

2024: Quarterfinalist: Women Life Film Festival

“ማይ ንጎሆ” (Promise of a New Dawn)

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: Mehareben Yayachu
Short Film: Selam Lenate – Peace Up on You!

2021: Winner – Maleda Award

Short Film: Tayalech

2019: Winner – Hybrid Design TV Commercial Competition

2019: Winner – Addis Zeybe Film Competition

2019: Winner – Addis Zeybe Film Competition

Short Film: Altegenagnatom – Mismatch

Interviews