When a massive Chinese industrial park lands in rural Ethiopia, a dusty farming town finds itself at the new frontier of globalisation.  

The sprawling factory complex’s formidable Chinese director Motto now needs every bit of mettle and charm she can muster to push through a high-stakes expansion that promises 30,000 new jobs. Ethiopian farmer Workinesh and factory worker Beti have staked their futures on the prosperity the park promises. But as initial hope meets painful realities, they find themselves, like their country, at a pivotal crossroads.  

Filmed over four years with singular access, Made in Ethiopia lifts the curtain on China’s historic but misunderstood impact on Africa, and explores contemporary Ethiopia at a moment of profound crisis. 

The film will be followed by a discussion panel exploring some of the main themes that the film raises, including issues linked to global inequalities and fast fashion.  

Discussion Panel: Professor Michael Alcorn (Chair), Dr Jack Taggart , Alison Gault , Kieran Minto 

Xinyan Yu and Max Duncan / 91 mins / Canada, Ethiopia, USA, UK, Denmark / 2024