How a strong creative industry helps economies thrive | Mehret Mandefro

TL;DR

In this TED Talk, filmmaker Mehret Mandefro discusses how the creative industry, including film and theater, can promote economic growth and democratic ideals in Ethiopia and beyond.

Transcript

Transcriber: Joseph Geni Reviewer: Camille Martínez Woman: Doc? We're ready for you. Mehret Mandefro: OK. Man 1: Here we go. Places, please. Last looks. Man 2: We're at roll time. Man 3: Rolling! Man 2: Roll cameras. Man 3: A speed, B speed, C speed. Man 1: Marker. And ... action. MM: I started making movies 15 years ago, during my internal medicin... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎥 Visual Medicine: The speaker uses movies and shows as a form of visual medicine to address social barriers such as racism, gender inequities, and global health disparities, hoping to inspire audiences to take action.
• 🌍 Ethiopia's Growth and Unemployment: Ethiopia has experienced rapid economic growth but still faces high unemployment rates, particularly among young people and women. This poses a challenge for the government to create enough quality jobs for its growing population.
• 💡 Creative Industries and Economic Growth: The speaker believes that creative industries, including film, theater, design, and fashion, can promote economic growth and democratic ideals in any country. These industries have the potential to contribute significantly to a nation's development.
• 📺 Training and Employment: The speaker highlights the importance of investing in training and employment opportunities in the creative sector. By providing on-the-job training, young people can gain skills and experience, creating a pathway to meaningful employment and career advancement.
• 🎬 Government Support for Filmmaking: The Ethiopian government supports the film industry by providing logistical and security support for international film productions. This support not only encourages economic growth through production work but also promotes Ethiopia's cultural assets to the world.
• 🗺️ Cultural Exchange and Democracy: Exposing individuals to different cultures, stories, and histories through the creative economy can contribute to a more inclusive and democratic society. The arts have a unique ability to teach civil society how to access new ideas without bias.
• 💪 Arts as Economic and Democratic Catalyst: Arts and culture are vital for a country's economic and democratic growth. A thriving creative sector that is supported by the government can have a significant civic impact, driving both economic and democratic progress.
• 🌟 Creative Economy for Development: The creative economy is essential for development and progress, particularly in countries like Ethiopia. Its potential for economic and democratic gains makes it a crucial sector that should not be overlooked.

Questions & Answers

Q: What kind of movies and shows does Mehret Mandefro create?

Mehret Mandefro creates movies and shows that address large social barriers such as racism in America, gender inequities in Ethiopia, and global health disparities. She sees her work as a form of visual medicine, aiming to inspire audiences to take actions that overcome these barriers.

Q: What is the current unemployment situation in Ethiopia?

According to 2018 numbers, the unemployment rate in urban areas of Ethiopia is around 19 percent, with higher rates among youth aged 15 to 29. Unemployment rates are even higher among young women. This presents a significant challenge for the government to create sufficient job opportunities for the growing population.

Q: How did Mehret Mandefro tackle the lack of skills and education for film and TV production in Ethiopia?

Mehret Mandefro invested heavily in training by implementing an on-the-job training approach. She trained the scripted drama team of a TV station, paying employees to make TV while they learned how to make TV. This approach allowed them to gain experience and skills in the field, overcoming the limited availability of formal film and TV education.

Q: How did the government of Ethiopia support filmmaking and filmmakers?

The government of Ethiopia recognized the economic potential of films in promoting the country and attracting tourism dollars. They provided logistical and security support for an international film crew shooting in Ethiopia. The government's assistance enabled the completion of the film while offering local TV crews the opportunity to work alongside world-class professionals, allowing them to grow and progress in their careers.

Q: How does Mehret Mandefro believe the creative economy contributes to development and progress?

Mehret Mandefro believes that countries like Ethiopia cannot afford to overlook the creative sector, as it has the potential to make significant civic impact. Arts and culture, in all their forms, are essential for a country's economic and democratic growth. Supporting the creative economy not only leads to good-paying jobs but also fosters inclusive storytelling, exposure to diverse perspectives, and overall progress in a nation's development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

1. Mehret Mandefro discusses her work as a filmmaker, using movies and shows as a form of visual medicine to address social barriers such as racism, gender inequities, and global health disparities.

2. She explains how the creative industries, including film, theater, design, and fashion, can promote economic growth and democratic ideals in any country, using her experience in Ethiopia as an example.

3. Mandefro emphasizes the importance of the arts and culture in a country's economic and democratic growth, stating that they are essential for development and progress, and should not be viewed as a mere luxury.