Running Against the Wind

Running Against the Wind, released in 2019, is a poignantly charged Ethiopian drama that drifts us into the moving story of two childhood friends, Abdi and Solomon, with a shared passion for running. The film, which was Ethiopia's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, encapsulates the profound examination of friendship, dreams, loss, and redemption.

Brought to life by a talented cast that features Ashenafi Nigusu, Mikias Wolde, Joseph Reta Belay, the film showcases an alternative perspective on Ethiopia, a country known globally for producing top-tier long-distance runners, yet renowned locally for its collective struggle towards change and development.

Running Against the Wind starts with Abdi (Mikias Wolde) and Solomon (Ashenafi Nigusu), two ten-year-old boys living in the Ethiopian hinterland, with innocent dreams and raw talent for running. The boys, despite their opposing backgrounds – Solomon, an orphan forced into child labour, and Abdi, a son of a small-time farmer – find a common denominator that blends their distinct lives: their enthusiasm for running. Their shared passion brings the boys together. They commence a ritual of everyday running, signaling the start of an enduring friendship.

However, a rift emerges when a traumatic incident forces them to part ways. Abdi escapes to the capital, Addis Ababa, in pursuit of a better life. In contrast, Solomon remains behind in the arid and impoverished hinterland. This moment serves as a monumental turning point that sets them on different paths, shaping their lives for years to come.

In Addis Ababa, Abdi is lured towards an entirely different path than what he initially envisaged, gradually graduating from petty crimes to more serious transgressions. However, he always manages to keep his inner spark of hope alive, convinced that his destiny lies in his fantastic ability to run.

Meanwhile, back in their hometown, Solomon deals with adversity and hardships, yet continues to run, seeing it as his only respite from the unbroken monotony and conquering challenges. Despite these obstacles, he remains undeterred pursuing running as a professional sport.

As the narrative progresses, the contrasting yet intertwined lives of Abdi and Solomon stand as living testimonies of dreams deferred and the harsh realities. Their respective journeys and struggles reflect on Ethiopia's larger socio-political context.

Directed by Jan Philipp Weyl and set against the backdrop of breathtaking Ethiopian landscapes, Running Against the Wind packs an emotional wallop that will leave a lasting impression on its audience. Moving, compelling and authentic, the film's narrative is punctuated with exhilarating running sequences that translate the leads' relentless efforts into powerful visuals.

The performances of Ashenafi Nigusu and Mikias Wolde as Solomon and Abdi, respectively, are commendable. They embody the physical and emotional aspects of their characters brilliantly, creating an immediate connection with the audience. Joseph Reta Belay, despite his relatively minimal screen time, delivers a captivating performance.

What stands out is the film's omnipresent theme of running, not just as a sport, but as a lifeline, a shared dream, and a potential escape from the hardships of life. Running takes on a metaphoric layer in the film: running away from the one's past, running towards a vaguely seen future, running helter-skelter in the chaotic present, running for survival and redemption. It becomes a metaphor for life, an eternal race against the wind that heralds hope in adversity.

The film's cinematography showcases the striking panorama of Ethiopia: the rugged beauty of the hinterlands, the congested alleyways of the city, the vast dry lands, and extensive cityscapes, which occasionally merge into the backdrop of the leads' tumultuous lives.

Equally remarkable is the film's score and sound design. The rhythmic Ethiopian music score complements the narrative effortlessly, bringing Ethiopian culture to life. The sound design, especially during running sequences, adds a layer of heart-pounding tension to the visuals.

Running Against the Wind, a compelling saga of friendship, dreams, and stark realities, remains powerful in portraying Ethiopia's challenging social conditions while simultaneously presenting the resiliency of its people. It underscores the enduring power of friendship, the unwavering pursuit of dreams, and the omnipresent determination against all the odds to change one's destiny.