Introduction to the Documentary

From the smoke-filled huts and kerosene-lit nights of generations past to the dawn of modern rural life, this documentary captures the remarkable transformation of Ethiopia's countryside through the eyes of Mr. Desalegn and Ms. Netsanet of Dubancho Kebele in Hadiya Zone. For years, their daily life was defined by long walks in search of water, backbreaking labor, limited access to basic services and a quiet resilience shaped by generations of hardship. When the ambitious Rural Corridor Development Initiative first arrived, they met it with hesitation and suspicion, as the idea of bringing the comforts of modern life to their doorstep seemed almost unimaginable. But as the foundations were laid and change began to take shape, skepticism gradually gave way to hope, and hope to awe. Today, solar light has replaced the darkness of kerosene lamps, tapwater is flowing to their home, biogas is providing a cleaner source of energy, backyard gardens are flourishing and modern villa-style homes are transforming the landscape. This is more than a story about infrastructure development; it's a story of human transformation, of a community breaking free from a cycle of hardship, embracing new opportunities and stepping confidently toward a brighter future. From darkness to light, from uncertainty to possibility, this is the story of Dubancho's rural renaissance and the people proudly greeting a new dawn.

Introduction to EBC

The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) is a public service broadcaster producing news, features and documentaries that reflect Ethiopia’s priorities and address issues of public interest. Its editorial priorities include peace, unity, inclusive development, innovation and economic transformation. The EBC aims to inform, educate and inspire audiences by highlighting the country’s achievements, addressing societal challenges and exploring sustainable development.

Through television channels, radio services and digital platforms, including social media, the EBC reaches diverse audiences across Ethiopia and beyond. It combines traditional broadcasting with digital communication to expand access to information, support public engagement and encourage inclusive dialogue. Its programming tells Ethiopia’s stories, promotes the preservation of its cultural heritage and explores its development aspirations, reflecting its commitment to public service broadcasting.

Director's Profile

MEKUWANENT YISHAK

| Senior Documentary Director | Producer | Directing Department Head |

Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)

Mekuwanent Yishak is an acclaimed Ethiopian documentary director, senior broadcast producer and media leader with over 13 years of professional experience. As the Lead Director and Team Leader of the Directing Department at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, he specializes in crafting narrative-driven, non-fiction films that explore complex socio-economic, political and cultural realities across East Africa. Known for his ability to translate intricate national policies into human-centered visual stories, Mekuwanent's filmography uses cinematic artistry to bridge major developmental milestones, such as agricultural transformation, industrial growth and the development of rural infrastructure corridors. His notable works include the acclaimed short documentary Smoke to Light, which captures rural development and community empowerment, alongside comprehensive series on wheat mechanization and industrial development.

A master of end-to-end media production, Mekuwanent routinely manages complex multi-camera field operations, aerial drone cinematography, live panel broadcasts and advanced post-production editing. By pairing rigorous journalistic standards with emotionally resonant visual storytelling, his work captures the dynamic, evolving landscape of modern Ethiopia for both national and global audiences.