David Robert Productions Group

DOCUMENTARY EXCERPT MONTAGE

Excerpts include portions of programming from:

• SIM Canada/SIM Pakistan/CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) - International development projects, health, education and women and youth outreach programming in project locations in 15 countries in Africa and South America.
• Arcadia Foundation/University of Toronto / University of Addis Ababa - Rock hewn churches in Ethiopia; illustrative documentaries and research program. (excerpts at 03:00 min.) 
  

TIGRAY AT WAR - CULTURAL HERITAGE UNDER SEIGE

This program documents the start of the on going war in Ethiopia in 2020 that is affecting millions in Tigray, a northern province on the Horn of Africa. The program specifically addresses the massive extent of damage to world famous religious cultural heritage, much of which dates back many thousands of years. Despite a very precarious cease fire in 2022, the destruction continues, and the impact not only to Tigrayans across the province and around the world, but also to the world, in terms of irreparable destruction to world heritage churches and historic sites across Tigray, is catastrophic.

CULTURAL HERITAGE MINUTE - E1

What is cultural heritage?

Professor Michael Gervers, Dr. Hagos Abrha, Professor Catherine D'Andrea and Dr. Hiluf Berhe discuss what cultural heritage is and what it means to all of us, as well as how the war in Ethiopia in general, and the genocide against the Tigrayan people specifically, has impacted the social and psychological fabric of cultural heritage for Ethiopians.

CULTURAL HERITAGE MINUTE - E2

Religious and cultural heritage, including ancient churches and monasteries, define every part of people's life in Tigray. Integral to this heritage are Tigrayan priests and monks, considered God’s representatives on earth. They have been responsible for creating and protecting this precious historical, religious, and cultural heritage for hundreds of years. Churches, monasteries, manuscripts, and all associated precious heritage items have been ransacked and destroyed across the state of Tigray. And priests and monks continue to be in danger.

For Tigrayans, this campaign of genocide is simply destroying this intrinsic aspect of their physical and spiritual lives, with devastating physical and psychological effects.