Behind the Lens: Crafting The Night Before Easter (ለፋሲካ ለሊት) in the Heart of Addis Ababa
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March 7, 2026
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Every film begins with a question. For The Night Before Easter (ለፋሲካ ለሊት), the question was simple yet powerful:
What happens when two people from completely different worlds meet on one of the most spiritually significant nights of the year?
Director and writer Dagim Sisay wanted to explore the contrast that exists in Addis Ababa during the eve of Fasika. While thousands prepare for midnight church services, the city’s nightlife is also alive with energy. This duality faith and festivity, reflection and celebration became the emotional foundation of the story.
From this idea emerged the characters of Yohannes, a quiet and traditional artist on his way to church, and Mekdelawit, a modern young woman immersed in the city’s nightlife. Their meeting represents the intersection of two different rhythms of the same city.
One of the film’s biggest creative goals was to make Addis Ababa feel alive on screen. Rather than simply serving as a backdrop, the city itself was treated as an important character in the story.
Through carefully selected locations, the production team highlighted the contrasts of the night: illuminated streets, late-night cafés, passing cars, and moments of quiet reflection. These visual elements helped reinforce the emotional tone of the film an atmosphere where anything feels possible, even if only for a moment.
Director of Photography Amanuel Adinew worked closely with the director to develop a visual style that felt both intimate and atmospheric.
The cinematography focused on:
This approach allowed the audience to experience the story almost as if they were walking alongside the characters through Addis Ababa.
Bringing Yohannes and Mekdelawit to life required performances that felt natural and emotionally grounded.
Actors Chernet Fekadu and Meskerem Abera worked closely with the director to build the subtle dynamic between the two characters. Much of their performance relies on quiet moments glances, pauses in conversation, and the emotional tension between curiosity and hesitation.
These small, human details helped make their brief connection feel authentic and relatable.
Producer Bereket Werede played a central role in bringing the project from concept to screen. From coordinating the production process to supporting the creative vision of the director, the production team worked to ensure the story maintained its emotional honesty while navigating the practical challenges of filming in a busy city environment.
Night shoots in an active urban setting required flexibility, planning, and collaboration from the entire crew.
At its core, The Night Before Easter is a film about moments that cannot be repeated.
Some encounters last a lifetime, while others exist only for a brief moment in time. Yet those fleeting connections can still shape how we see the world—and ourselves.
Through Yohannes and Mekdelawit’s journey across a single night, the film reflects on the beauty of those temporary intersections of life.