Adwa (1999) poster5

Ethiopia8 Essential Films from EthiopiaStop 5 of 8

Adwa

አድዋ

1999

This documentary epic recounts the 1896 Battle of Adwa, when Ethiopian forces, many armed only with spears, decisively defeated an invading Italian colonial army — a rare and resounding African victory over European imperialism. Haile Gerima's stirring historical account.

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Part of 8 Essential Films from Ethiopia

This film is stop 5 of 8 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Ethiopia. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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