A simple story well told, Lamb is a startlingly assured debut feature from writer-director Yaled Zeleke which overcomes the traditional “kids and animals” issue to deliver a warm-hearted and bittersweet coming-of-age story.

Sitting snugly alongside other classic kids’-films-for-adults Kes and Bicycle Thieves, Lamb includes all the perfectly observed characters and universal life lessons of these films and combines them with some gorgeously cinematic Ethiopian scenery.

Genuine and naturalistic performances (particularly from newcomer and lead Rediat Amare) ensure audience connection with the cast of characters as issues of adulthood, masculinity and responsibility are engaged with in a simple yet intelligent manner.

Based on Lamb’s richly-deserved applause from the Cannes crowd at its premiere, Ethiopian film’s first venture to Cannes will most assuredly not be its last.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Rediat Amare, Kidist Siyum, Welela Assefa, Rahel Teshome

DIRECTOR: Yaled Zeleke

WRITER: Yaled Zeleke

SYNOPSIS: When an Ethiopian boy moves in with relatives he takes his pet sheep with him, but the upcoming holidays spell danger for his beloved friend.

TRAILER COMING SOON