From executive producer Angelina Jolie Pitt comes the award-winning drama “Difret,” based on the inspirational true story of a young Ethiopian girl and a tenacious lawyer embroiled in a life-or-death clash between cultural traditions and their country’s advancement of equal rights. When 14-year-old Hirut is abducted in her rural village’s tradition of kidnapping women for marriage, she fights back, accidentally killing her captor and intended husband. Local law demands a death sentence for Hirut, but Meaza, a tough and passionate lawyer from a women’s legal aide practice, steps in to fight for her. With both Hirut’s life and the future of the practice at stake, the two women must make their case for self-defense against one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most deeply-rooted traditions. “Difret” paints a portrait of a country in a time of great transformation and the brave individuals ready to help shape it.
“I can’t wait for the world to see this because it will make change and it’s extraordinarily beautiful the way it’s done. It’s really a remarkable piece of art.”
– Angelina Jolie Pitt
“This is a story of compassion and conviction that ought to inspire everybody.”
– John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State
Starring Meron Getnet, Tizita Hagere, Haregewine Assefa, Brook Sheferaw, Mekonen Laeake, and Girma Teshome.
Executive Produced by Angelina Jolie Pitt, Julie Mehretu, Jessica Rankin, Francesca Zampi, and Lacey Schwartz.
Produced by Mehret Mandefro, Leelai Demoz, and Zeresenay Berhane Mehari.
Written & Directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari.
Available on VOD & Digital HD February 3rd
