YETUT LIJ is an Amharic phrase, that crudely translates to "Child of the Breast." The term is typically used to refer to a child taken in and raised by someone, other than their own parent.

The story takes place in 1960's Ethiopia, 20 years after the Italian occupation. Aynalem, a 13-year-old peasant girl, gets adopted by a wealthy judge's family and taken away from her own, with the promise of an educated upbringing and a better life. Contrary to this promise, she is instead forced to work as a domestic servant. Yet, despite the close watch and cruelty of her employers, she meets and falls in love with an ordinary police man, named Tilahun.Though, he manages to help her escape her bleak circumstances, Tilahun finds Aynalem years later, in the clutches of another formidable captor.

A film by Haile Gerima

Ethiopia, Feature Drama

The Campaign (June 2015)
On June 1st, Haile Gerima, the independent filmmaker, behind such critically-acclaimed and award-winning films as TEZA, SANKOFA, BUSH MAMA & HARVEST 3000 YEARS is launching his first crowd-sourced fundraising campaign on Indiegogo to finance the production of a new dramatic feature, YETUT LIJ.

Haile Gerima wrote:
Sisters and Brothers,

I need you to join me on a brave, new journey to make my next film, YETUT LIJ a reality. YETUT LIJ is a fictional drama with very real implications about human rights, specifically the right to love in the face of local and global forces.

I am now raising funds via Indiegogo https://goo.gl/wCMiWW to match $500,000 in co-production funds already secured. I need your support in making this film! Every contribution counts, no matter the amount.

As I dedicate myself to this story, I want you to claim it as your own. If you believe in it, stand for it.

Let's make a film, together!
Donate Here Today: https://goo.gl/wCMiWW

what else can I do to help?
* - FOLLOW @YETUTLIJMOVIE: On Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #Childof to show your support.
* - SHARE THIS LINK: Use → http://igg.me/at/hailegerima ← to be sure that all your contacts, followers and friends know where to go to contribute.
* - SPREAD THE WORD: On the minute, on the hour, every day! Remember, after June 1st, WE ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS to reach our goal.
* - VISIT SANKOFA: If you're in the D.C. area, during the month of June, come to one of our local campaign events or stop by Sankofa Video & Books Cafe to see community arts and independent film in action.

CONTACT
info@YetutLijMovie.com