Sewmehon Yismaw, known affectionately as "Somick," is a filmmaker who describes his life as a mystery he would personally direct. He speaks proudly of his childhood, recounting how his gift for storytelling was nurtured by a local figure, Taju, who would tell him stories from television and radio. For him, stories are more than entertainment. They are vessels filled with layers of meaning, as he mixes and reimagines them to captivate his siblings and cousins. Dedicated to authenticity, he draws heavily on personal memories; his unique background and the rich storytelling culture of his birthplace have shaped his creative approach.

His docu-drama, “Ewer Amora Qelabi,” initially inaugurated but never shown in cinemas, stands out in his filmography. Conceived to address the topic of illegal migration and seeking sponsorship, it never secured a theatrical run or the desired funding. Somick and his producers are, however, undeterred. They plan to release the film themselves to ensure its message reaches its intended audience. Driven by an urge to portray stories that resonate with his own experiences, Somick believes that the right movie emerges when there is a personal, emotional connection.

A particular wedding experience he attended as a child remains inspirational. The memory of tents pitched in the morning fog, celebratory gunshots, and dancing under the big sky, later channelled into a music clip for Aschalew’s “Enatewa Gonder,” illustrated how he employed nostalgia to produce meaningful art. His reverence for childhood extends beyond personal memories; the tales of “Bilicho & Mitmitit” and “Lame Bora” are already in his sights as future projects, intended to preserve a legacy and impart lessons in empathy and compassion.

Legends of Ethiopia’s past equally move Somick. He would love to travel back in time, particularly to Emperor Tewodros II’s era, and his respect for Emperor Haileselassie’s "tireless love" for Ethiopia is profound. His patriotism surfaced when quizzed to utter a word in a movie, which would be “Ethiopia.” Cinematic heroes closer to his field include Solomon Bogale, an actor whose subtlety and precision he finds exceptional. He also credits Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi and Giuseppe Tornatore of “Cinema Paradiso” fame as key inspirations abroad.

He views the film industry’s shift to streaming platforms as an encouraging development. Yet making films in rural areas, while offering a focused working environment, poses its own limitations. The lack of security in certain regions complicates schedules, and different cultural norms can prove startling, especially when firearms or traditional customs collide with outside expectations. Despite these snags, Somick has pressed on with demanding productions like “Sewnetua” and long gruelling nights transferring VHS footage to computers with little sleep.

In an interview with our reporter, BEZAWIT HULUAGER, Somick discusses the underlying theme throughout his career is his tenacious love of storytelling and film. Whether recalling early viewings of “China O’Brien,” his fascination with dogs as subjects brimming with human qualities, or the possibility of having dinner with Haile Gerima (Prof), his passion and reverence for cinema shine through. He remains devoted to uncovering stories he believes in, firmly rooted in the past, but always scanning the horizon for new opportunities and new ways to share his experiences with the world.

Today, he envisions creative projects beyond the screen, drawn to Ethiopia’s vibrant history and larger-than-life figures. In Somick’s mind’s eye, the stories of freedom fighter Abdisa Aga, an Ethiopian patriot who fought the Italian occupation in Ethiopia and in Eastern Europe, unfold as richly layered films.

For more than a decade, Somick enthralled Ethiopian audiences with his striking visuals. His work, from iconic Habesha Beer commercials to music videos for pop artist Teddy Afro, has cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most compelling filmmakers. His flair lies in telling deeply relatable stories, an approach honed by his involvement in the popular TV drama series “Adey.” There, he found the confidence to take his passion for cinematic storytelling to new heights, weaving in moments of everyday life that resonate powerfully with viewers.

If your life were to be a movie, what genre would it be, and who would direct it?

Sewmehon Yismaw (Somick): It would be a mystery, and I would direct it myself.

Why was your film "Ewer Amora Qelabi" not shown in cinemas?

We aimed for sponsorship, particularly from those dealing with illegal migration, but fell through. Now, we are exploring releasing it independently. It is a docu-drama that had a short inauguration screening but never made it to cinemas.

What inspires your choice of stories and movie projects?

I am drawn to stories I connect with in real life.

If you had an unlimited budget, what would your dream movie be?

A film about Abdisa Aga. [An Ethiopian patriot who fought Italian occupation during the Second World War.]

Which childhood story would you like to turn into a film?

I am working on a film based on "Bilicho & Mitmitit," partly as a memorial for my children. I am also fascinated by "Lame Bora" because it teaches sadness, compassion, and empathy.

How did your childhood influence your love for storytelling and film?

My childhood was filled with vivid experiences. A man named Taju had access to television and radio; he was a great storyteller. I would adapt his tales for my siblings and cousins. Where I grew up, storytelling was a way of life.

Especially a wedding I attended with my mother, have influenced my work, including the video clip for Aschalew’s “Enatewa Gonder.”

We spent 13 days at a hotel, unsure of our direction for the music clip. I then remembered that wedding—the pitched tent, leaves scattered on the ground, celebratory gunshots, the pots and pans, the dancing, and the morning fog. We ended up recreating that childhood wedding, minus the gunshots. My work often draws heavily from my childhood experiences.

What kind of stories did you tell growing up?

I told Taju’s stories, along with Bible stories, hagiographies, and church dramas. A particular drama, "Aba Alem Lemenie," featuring a woman disguised as a monk, left a deep impression on me, especially the soundtrack.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

I would happily return to my childhood. Otherwise, I would love to witness the era of Emperor Tewodros II.

What was a memorable moment during your film shoots?

When transferring VHS footage to computers, we sometimes did five or six tapes overnight, leaving me two hours of sleep a day. I once ordered my crew to set up cameras, only to immediately change my mind and scold them. Exhaustion caught up with me, and the producer made me rest.

If you could only use one word in a movie, what would it be?

Ethiopia, because it is so important to me.

If you could cast only one actor/ actress, who would it be?

I admire Solomon Bogale for his controlled, nuanced performances. I believe Ethiopian acting should be redefined.

Text or phone calls?

Text messages are simple and precise.