Herrana Addisu is a multi-disciplinary artist and social impact strategist. Her family’s journey to the United States and her personal experience growing up in Ethiopia and immigrating to the U.S. have shaped her career in human rights. She works to uplift marginalized communities through advocacy initiatives, research, and programming.
She incorporates her expertise in various human rights issues into her artistry through Chucha Studios LLC, a creative production agency that aims to reduce social disparities within marginalized communities by connecting the art of visual storytelling with systemic change.
T. Can you share your journey with us and tell us what brought you to where you are today?
H. My family’s journey to the United States, along with my own experiences growing up in Ethiopia and immigrating to the U.S., have profoundly shaped my career in human rights. I am dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities through advocacy initiatives, research, and programming.
T. How did your experiences growing up in different countries shape your identity and aspirations?
H. My childhood has significantly shaped my identity and who I am today. Growing up in Addis Ababa has transformed my worldview and serves as my greatest inspiration as an artist.
T. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your professional life after arriving in the US, and how did you overcome them?
H. After arriving in the US, some of the biggest challenges I faced in my professional life included adapting to a new cultural and professional environment of the creative industry trying to connect it with social impact work. To tackle these challenges, I focused on building a strong network of women, sought mentorship and guidance from those familiar with the industry, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
T. How has your Ethiopian heritage influenced your perspective and work?
H. My Ethiopian heritage has profoundly influenced my perspective and work. It has provided me with a rich cultural background and a unique worldview that inform my approach to storytelling and advocacy. The values of resilience, community, and deep-rooted tradition from my heritage inspire me to address social issues with a sense of empathy and authenticity.
T. You speak a lot about overcoming perfectionism. In your opinion, what are the root causes of the need for perfection?
H. The drive for perfectionism often stems from a combination of personal, societal, and cultural pressures. For me, as a Black woman, this pressure is intensified by the need to navigate a world that can be unforgiving and critical. In a society where there are already heightened expectations and barriers to success, striving for perfection can feel like a necessary defense mechanism to prove my worth and secure opportunities
T. As a woman in the film industry, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?
H. I’ve faced several unique challenges, including navigating a male-dominated field and dealing with the pressure to constantly prove myself.
I’ve focused on building a strong network of allies and mentors who support and advocate for my work. I’ve also sought out and created opportunities for myself, whether through independent projects or by collaborating with like-minded professionals who value diversity. Embracing my unique perspective and experiences has helped me carve out a space for my voice and vision in the industry, and I’ve remained committed to advocating for greater inclusion and representation for women and other underrepresented groups in film.
T. What personal qualities do you think have been most instrumental in your success? Can you tell us more about ‘The River’ and what inspired you to create this film?
H. Resilience has allowed me to navigate the many challenges and setbacks in the industry, while creativity has been crucial in finding unique ways to tell compelling stories. A strong sense of purpose drives me to create meaningful work that reflects my values and experiences.
Regarding “The River,” this film is particularly close to my heart. It draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage and profound personal experiences I’ve had growing up in Ethiopia. The story explores themes of connection, identity, and the transformative power of nature, reflecting both the literal and metaphorical journeys that have shaped my life. The film will not only celebrate the art of beauty but will also highlight the systemic barriers women face in the context of forced marriage, education, and water access.
To bring the project to life, we worked with an Ethiopian based production company,Qene Fims, which was the element we needed to set the project to life.
T. As an immigrant, what unique perspectives do you bring to your work in film and media?
H. As an immigrant, I bring a unique perspective to film and media that is deeply informed by my experiences of navigating multiple cultures and adapting to new environments. My background allows me to tell stories that bridge different worlds, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and transformation.
T. What impact do you hope to make for future generations of women in the creative industry? Or to immigrant women in achieving their dreams?
H. By achieving success and visibility, I aim to challenge and dismantle the barriers that have historically limited opportunities for women and immigrants. My work seeks to create more space and representation for diverse voices in the industry.
Through mentoring and supporting emerging talent, I hope to provide guidance and encouragement to young women and immigrants, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry and build their own pathways to success.
T. What are your hopes for the impact of ‘The River’ on audiences, particularly in immigrant communities?
H. I aim for the film to resonate deeply with viewers by reflecting their own experiences by portraying themes of migration, identity, and cultural connection, I hope to foster a sense of understanding and shared experience.
I hope to promote a greater appreciation for the rich cultural backgrounds and diverse experiences of immigrant communities. By presenting these stories with authenticity and depth, I aim to challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives.
The film highlights the often overlooked, pressing issues of water accessibility and its disproportionate impact on women, who are frequently subjected to gender-based violence at water sites. Through its poignant storytelling, “The River” seeks to bring these challenges into the spotlight, fostering a deeper reflection on the interconnectedness of water, community well-being, and gender equity.
T. To finalise: How does it feel to bring your film to an international audience?
H. Bringing my film to an international audience feels both exciting and nerve-wracking, but above all, I am deeply honored. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the creativity emerging from Ethiopia and share our story with a broader audience. I’m thrilled to present our cultural narrative on a global stage and to highlight the rich and diverse experiences that have shaped this film.
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