Preserving Ethiopian Pottery Culture
Preserving Ethiopian Pottery Culture
This short film by Yeabsira Eshetu Mandefro explores the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopian pottery and the artisans working to preserve it. Amid a growing wave of imported mass-produced goods — especially from China — a grassroots movement is rising to revive and support locally made, hand-crafted pottery.
From ancient techniques passed down through generations to innovative new approaches, these Ethiopian potters are reclaiming their craft as a vital expression of identity, sustainability, and national pride.
Shot on location in Ethiopia, the film captures the skill, artistry, and cultural significance behind every clay vessel — highlighting the effort to keep this ancestral craft alive in a modern world.
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Film Maker
Yeabsira Eshetu Mandefro
Ethiopia
Yeabsira E. Mandefro is a Film Director and Producer with over five years of experience in both independent and collaborative storytelling. His work focuses on amplifying marginalized voices, challenging societal norms, and inspiring social action.
Skilled in blending technical expertise with creative vision, Yeabsira crafts emotionally resonant narratives across documentaries, branded content, and advocacy campaigns. He is known for an interdisciplinary approach that bridges education, activism, and cinematic innovation— developing projects that engage, educate, and drive meaningful change.
He is the founder of Jember Films, a film production company, and co-founder of Helios Creative Marketing Agency, which provides end-to-end creative services—from concept development to post-production—for startups, NGOs, educational institutions, and socially conscious brands.
Yeabsira also serves as a Cinematography Instructor at MYS School of Music and Media, where he mentors emerging filmmakers and fosters a new generation of visual storytellers.
Film Master
Betelhem Lakew
- Craft
- Master Potter
- Country
- Ethiopia
Betelhem Lakew, the lead instructor and pottery maker at Shekla Ethiopia, is passionate about preserving and evolving Ethiopia’s rich pottery tradition. At Shekla Ethiopia – Pottery Studio in Addis, she leads a creative journey where tradition meets innovation to tell a compelling story through clay. Rooted in centuries-old practices, the studio works to safeguard cultural heritage while embracing modern techniques.
Betelhem’s dedication shines through in the functional and beautiful pottery she creates, including convenient pieces for cooking and serving, among other thoughtfully crafted products. By incorporating electric pottery wheels, Shekla revitalizes traditional methods and makes the craft more sustainable and accessible for future generations. Each piece blends history, creativity, and contemporary design — honoring the past while shaping the future of local artistry.