It so hard to say goodbye, but I realize this is only just the beginning. My heart grows warm as I think of my  MERKATO family who welcomed me into their lives. After months of struggle and triumph it is finally a wrap on the shooting end.  I am extremely grateful for this experience, as a young filmmaker, I have learned so much from this project. It will grow with me forever.  Thank you all for your undivided support on this journey.

::::Blessings & love Sosena::::

photographed by Michael Tsegaye

Hawa has been selling incense in Merkato for over 40 years. At 105 years old she still gets up at 6am to walk several long blocks to her section of the market. Don't let her age fool you, she can feel money and sense how much it is without seeing it....how remarkable! I spent a couple days following Hawa on her journey. It was an honor, her colleague told me she trusts no one, so to be able to sit beside her was truly special. She told me she has seen Merkato when there were no walls. "When we all used to just sit on the floor and sell our goods..those were the good old days".

Meet Wurro. She was given this nick name in Merkato because in amharic it translates to the calling of a cat. I have had my eye out for a female character since I got here and found her to be an interesting perspective. She is simply one of the most hardworking young women I think I have ever met. She works seven days a week washing uniforms for the workers in minalish in addition to serving them their daily coffee and tea.

After a couple days with Wurro, I really felt her pain, strength and independence as a young working female in Merkato. Her voice inspired me, which is why I decided to include her in the film.  She has seen allot and worked hard to gain respect from the men in minalesh terra...now that is a force to be reckoned with.