A rare film from Ethiopia, Difret (which means ‘courage’ in Amharic) is loosely based on a real life challenge to the traditionally tolerated practice of forced marriage in the country, illuminating a shocking violation of the rights of young women in some rural areas.
On her way back from school 14-year-old Hirut is kidnapped and brutally raped by a gang of men who try to force her into marrying their leader Tadele. In a desperate attempt to escape, Hirut grabs a rifle and in the ensuing struggle, Tadele is killed.
Arrested and charged with murder, Hirut is subject to the rural courts which require that she be executed and buried with her ‘victim’. When Hirut’s plight captures the attention of tenacious lawyer, Meaza, their growing friendship leads her to risk everything to gain justice for the young girl.
At heart a delicate portrait of the power of sisterhood and grassroots activism, Difret also paints a complex portrait of a country’s struggle toward equal rights whilst also attempting to maintain the richness of its indigenous culture.