(A4O, 29 December 2024) Soolanee-a film by writer and director Keeyeron Dereje was screened in Melbourne on Saturday.

At the beginning of the film, Keeyeron told of her many difficult and emotional ups and downs. She talked about how teamwork was done in Soolanee and how it was included in the history of the Oromo family.

Soolanee: Truth, Freedom, Justice, Faith, Sin, Deceit, Goodness, Oppression, Equality, Resistance, Sexual Assault, love etc. are accompanied by key messages.

Toltu Tufaa gave the opening speech at the beginning of the film based on Oromo folklore. “Our folklore reflects our identity, and the story of this film reflects the wisdom inherited by our ancestors.”

“Keeyron’s efforts to promote our folklore and identity by making Soolanee are remarkable,” Toltu said.

The audience of the film said that Keeyeron deserves to be appreciated for her contribution to the development of the Oromo arts.

As is well known, the Oromo art, especially film, is still in its infancy. It is understandable that it takes a lot of work to make the Oromo language competitive in the films produced in Ethiopia and at the same time it needs the support of the people.

Oromo people are expected to encourage those who are engaged in what promotes the language in every way to ensure the development of their language.