From Rural Ethiopia: COWASH IV’s Documentary Series Shares Powerful Stories
13 March 2025
The documentaries highlight critical themes, including the vital role of women in WASH initiatives, the life-changing impact of safe WASH supply on communities, the project’s effort to restore WASH services in Tigray after the conflict, development of climate-resilient WASH systems and the success of WASH saving and loan associations as well as market-based sanitation supply centers. It also explores the COWASH journey from 2011 and its contributions to improved WASH in rural Ethiopia.
Sewmehon Yismaw, producer of the documentary series, calls the entire production process a deeply memorable experience. He found it particularly inspiring to witness a bilateral project so committed to improving access to safe water in rural Ethiopia, a critical need. The production crew was impressed by the warmth and resilience of the communities they encountered, and the strong sense of ownership these communities felt towards their WASH facilities. Sewmehon also noted a profound understanding of COWASH’s impact, with “communities in Tigray seeing it as a lifeline, while those in Southern Ethiopia viewed it as a pathway out of hardship.”
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Insights
Producing the COWASH documentary series was a demanding yet deeply rewarding endeavor, as both habeshaview and SewMehon Films Prodution crew attest. The sheer logistics of reaching remote filming locations proved a primary hurdle. The crew often faced arduous journeys, navigating difficult roads and trekking for hours. Beyond the physical challenges, explaining complex concepts like climate change to diverse audiences required sensitivity and careful communication. The multi-lingual nature of the project also demanded skillful navigation.
Sewmehon Yismaw, the producer, highlighted the intricate process of coordinating directors with varying experiences and translating their visions into compelling visuals. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, praising the COWASH IV team’s invaluable feedback during post-production, which helped refine the narration and maximize the impact of the footage. He also shared the distressing experience of crew members contracting malaria, which underscored the daily struggles faced by the communities they were documenting.
Despite these challenges, the production team was profoundly inspired by the impact of COWASH IV. Traveling across Ethiopia, they witnessed the persistent need for improved WASH facilities, a situation Sewmehon described as a “truly regrettable fact” to witness in this century. However, he found inspiration in COWASH IV’s efforts, particularly the success story in Sidama and the rapid response to restore services in Tigray. The resulting documentaries, he believes, are both emotionally impactful and address crucial societal issues like women’s empowerment, showcasing community-driven solutions.
Mahlet Ayenew, Project Manager at habeshaview Technology and Multimedia, echoed the sentiment of the project’s complexity and significance. She expressed pride in telling the stories of fellow Ethiopians and showcasing the project’s impact to a global audience. The nationwide scope of COWASH presented its own set of challenges, particularly condensing a decade of work into concise, impactful videos. The sheer volume of footage required meticulous selection and compilation. However, these challenges underscored the dedication of the COWASH team, who navigated difficult terrains with ease, demonstrating their deep connection with the communities they serve, says Mahlet.
Ultimately, both Sewmehon and Mahlet believe the filmmakers emerged with a powerful documentary series that showcases the transformative impact of COWASH and the resilience of the Ethiopian communities it serves.
Rewarding Experiences, Inspiration, and Impact
Despite the challenges, the production of the COWASH documentary series was a profoundly rewarding experience for both. Sewmehon expressed his deep appreciation for the landscapes and communities they encountered, particularly in Southern Ethiopia. “The landscapes and communities we filmed were incredibly rewarding, aesthetically and culturally,” he shared, adding that he was so inspired he hopes to return and create a film there. He also praised the collaborative spirit of the COWASH IV team.
Mahlet, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s exceptional collaboration throughout the entire process. “The COWASH team was exceptionally collaborative throughout the entire process which has been instrumental in creating a successful documentary,” noted Mahlet.
The production process also deepened the filmmakers’ understanding of COWASH’s profound impact on rural communities. “This production process deepened our understanding of COWASH’s profound impact on rural communities,” Mahlet stated. “Witnessing the tangible benefits and the strong sense of community ownership was truly inspiring.” She emphasized the community-centric approach that distinguishes COWASH, noting that everyone felt a personal stake in the project’s success and sustainability.
The documentary series is available on the COWASH IV YouTube channel, offering a unique window into the transformative impact of improved WASH services in rural Ethiopia.