Lights, Camera Jemuru – Adventures of a Film-Maker in Ethiopia is the remarkable true-life story of a high-flying adman who swapped his expense account lifestyle in London to go and teach in a back-street community film school, Gem TV, in Addis Ababa.
Bob Maddams spent ten years living and working in Ethiopia and filming took him and the Gem TV film-makers all over the country, from shanty towns and famine feeding stations to rock hewn churches and the source of the Nile. Each encounter eroded the Live Aid image the author had of Ethiopia when he first arrived, to reveal a country of staggering natural beauty, Biblical history, diverse ethnic groups and a culture as rich as the people are poor.
But most of all Lights, Camera, Jemuru is the uplifting story of Gem TV, the young film-makers whose films are transforming the lives of ordinary people all over Ethiopia. Funny, sad, and moving, Lights, Camera, Jemuru colourfully portrays this most ancient of countries as it struggles to define its place in the modern world. And for the 400 million people all over the world who watched Live Aid and wondered whatever happened to Ethiopia – it’s a fascinating answer.
“The children’s faces were pressed so tightly against the floor to ceiling windows that some of their features were ballooned flat against the glass. School children in distinctive red jumpers and sky blue shirts pushed and shoved at each other. I could hear the sounds of their excited screams and laughter muffled by the plate glass.”
“a quite remarkable story … Often sad, sometimes funny, and always moving, Bob portrays an inspirational story with genuine interest and wit, showing how a teacher can learn from his pupils, whilst provoking general thoughts of human potential both fulfilled and unfulfilled.” The Anglo-Ethiopian Society
Inspiring read “Fascinating book about an advertising exec who turns his back on the Mad Men world to live and work in Ethiopia. An inspiring read.” 5★ Amazon review
Konjo! ‘I come to Amazon once in a while and scan what is available in books and films about one of the oldest countries, Ethiopia. I am very happy that I found this book! It is correct in depicting the country’s history, culture and its people. The author has a great sense of humor. Imagine leaving your work as a high-roller ad man in London and deciding to take work in Ethiopia in order to change the lives of young people! Well done and it was worth it! What I meant by “Konjo” in the title is that, what the Ethiopians say when they see, read or hear something as lovely and beautiful as this work!’ 5★ Amazon review