ABOUT US
Videobet is a dynamic film organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting film culture. We curate and screen a diverse selection of local, international, and experimental indie films, fostering a space for meaningful cinematic experiences. In addition to screenings, our organization fosters film culture through initiatives such as our Videobet Film Podcast where we invite industry professionals to talk about cinema and our upcoming film essay magazine Hayasi where film enthusiasts, critics and filmmakers share their insights about the various facets of the filmmaking process.
OUR AIM
Cultivate Film Culture
By screening films from all over the world, we want to serve and grow the number of film enthusiasts in Addis Ababa and ultimately provide a space where they can meet one another.
Community Building
Every film industry needs an audience, and we want to build a loyal community of people that shows up for local independent films.
Free Expression
Through our initiatives, we want to encourage film professionals to embrace the freedom of expression, and champion it above all else.
VENUE
Right now, the venue we use is Century Equipped with a DCP projector and Dolby sound systems, it’s a perfect fit for our initiatives for the moment.
VIDEOBET FILM PODCAST
Hosted by film critic Bandamlak Yimenu and filmmaker Beza Hailu Lemma, our bi-monthly podcast has a unique format where a guest is invited to talk about five of their favorite films while also exploring their professions through the films they chose. Though we have only released three episodes so far, we have garnered a dedicated fanbase that grows every day.
MEMBERSHIP
We have a monthly membership option where members can have different perks like discounts on tickets, merchandize and books.
FOUNDERS
Beza Hailu Lemma
Beza Hailu Lemma is a writer/director based in Addis Ababa. Passionate about both documentary and fiction, Beza has made several short films since he began his journey, which include Ballad of the Spirits (2016), Katanga Nation (2022) and Alazar (2024). Katanga Nation has screened in more 20 film festivals around the world including Visions Du Reel, IDFA and FESPACO, where it won the Silver Foal for best documentary short film. Alazar went on to premiere at Cannes Critics Week and has screened at TIFF, Clermont Ferrand and has won the Silver Yusr Short Film Award at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
Bandamlak Yimenu
Bandamlak Yimenu is an Ethiopian Film essayist and critic. He has written many pieces for local publications like Gobena Street and Addis Zeybe. He has served as a jury member for Indie Memphis Film Festival 2021 in the Narrative Feature section. He has written extensively about filmmaker Haile Gerima’s working including a forthcoming essay on Gerima’s Harvest 3000 Years. He has a ten year old film blog which he launched in college (bandamreviews on WordPress) and has also extended his writing on Substack.
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