Model / Filmmaker

Gelila Bekele is a model, social activist, and a documentary filmmaker.
Born in Ethiopia, she spends most her life shuttling between Europe and the United States.

Read Gelila's Full Story

Documentary

MAi: LIFE IS NOT HONEY

MAi -Life is not honey is a (22 min) short documentary, following a day in a life of young girls in rural village of Ethiopia. The role climate change plays in  gender inequality, and the impact of educating girls. Directed by Gelila Bekele and led by an all-female crew. 

View Details

Documentary

MODEL ACTIVISTS

In the six-minute clip, we meet ten models who, in addition to posing for some of today's top photographers and fashion houses, aren't above making time to stand up for what's right. 

View Details

Documentary Feature directed by Mo Scarpelli

ANBESSA

Asalif and his mother defy Ethiopia’s omnipresent modern housing development culture, by continuing to live a life characterized by proximity to nature and rootedness in community. The boy counters the ruptures in his accustomed surroundings and the threat posed by the hyena that haunts his neighbourhood by reinventing himself as a hero: as Anbessa, the lion.

View Details

Book

GUZO

Journey through Ethiopia with Gelila's most recent work, Guzo. A book of photographs, it seeks to bring awareness to the beauty of the Ethiopian tribes and their way of living.

View Details

MELKAM GUZO (HAVE A GOOD JOURNEY)