My Love Story

Synopsis

An Ethiopian child bride is empowered by love, courage and hope as her young groom stands up for his wife against an enduring culture, rife with practices that create and sustain inequality between women and men.

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Cast

Head shot	Short Bio
	Ainalem Tebeje is of Ethiopian origin, currently calls Canada home. A product of diverse education systems, Ainalem was educated in three continents: She has B.A. in Literature from Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), a Master of Journalism from Carleton University (Canada) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication (India). A former journalist, Ainalem worked as a reporter, correspondent and sub-editor in Ethiopia. In Canada, Ainalem spent 25 years in the Canadian federal public service, holding different positions in several departments. In her debut novel, My Love Story in Broken English, she tells a compelling story of love, loss and triumph, while shedding light on the harmful traditional practices and attitudes that sustain inequality between women and men.
	AKA Carmen Hayward, Producer and SAG/AFTRA Performing Artist. President of VisuaLife Productions, Carmen produced a TV talk show, Gettin’ It Right, and a documentary, Getting Baby Off the Bottle. She was a stage producer at the Ensemble Studio Theater in Hollywood; and is currently on the Board of Directors for Inner City Cultural Center. Carmen has performed on stage, in television commercials, and in films. She recorded a single, “What Do You Find in Me,” as a founding member of the inspirational music group, Embrace.
	Eddie wrote and directed the short film DESIRE, he also directed THE FIRST TIME for twilighteyes productions. He has been featured in the films Rookie of the Year, Heaven is a Playground, Spiritual Warriors, L’il Red N da Hood, The Club, and Brother 2. On television he appeared in Early Edition for CBS, onstage as Lucius in Jesus Hopped The A Train where he won the Black Theatre Alliance award for best featured actor; Regimental Clerk in Mother Courage; and Rooftop, in Our Lady of 121st Street for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award at Steppenwolf Theatre. Other credits include Sergeant Waters in A Soldier’s Play at the Congo Square.
	Home grown in Southern California, Jabari has played roles by great playwrights from Lorraine Hansberry to George C. Wolfe. Performing in the live theater arena has inspired Jabari to write and continue to grow his craft. Currently, Jabari serves as President of the F.A.M.E. Drama Guild following in the footsteps of President Emeritus, Ms. Anna Belle Cooper.
	Meseret “Mercy” Mehzun is currently a student at the University of San Francisco. She is entering her second year in college and is studying Communication and Health Studies. Mercy has been involved with the ministries at FAME Church since she was born, including the Voices of Gospel Choir, Young People’s Division of the Sarah Allen’s Missionary Society, and many others.
	My name Merhawit Danielle Mehzun, Merha for short, and I am a first generation Eritrean-American. I am currently a rising sophomore at the University of San Francisco where I am majoring in International Studies and Minoring in Architecture and Community Design. I am also a proud member of First A.M.E Church and have been attending all of my life.
	Abel Habtegeorgis is a working actor here in Los Angeles originally from the Oakland Bay Area where he studied under the direction of Bob Wineapple at Seyd Studios. Credits to date include lead roles Intimate Apparel and the Jericho Road Improvement Association as well as the African American Shakespeare Company’s annual rendition of Cinderella.
	Reverend Walter L. Shaw Jr., who goes by the on-air nickname Walt “Baby” Love, is a radio host in the United States. Having been in the business for over 35 years, Walt ‘Baby’ Love hosted three syndicated radio programs, Gospel Traxx, The Countdown and The Urban AC Countdown. All three featured, at Love’s insistence, “clean” versions of popular songs. The Countdown was the longest running R&B syndicated radio show in history. The Countdown was a six-time winner of Billboard Magazine’s award for best R&B syndicated radio show.
	Bethlehem Bekele is a cultural ambassador, mental health advocate and founder of KinetBet, an organization that highlights the cultural beauty and diversity of Ethiopia, serves as a bridge to the wider diaspora and starts meaningful conversations on ways to effect positive personal and community change. Find out more on www.KinetBet.com.
	Dwayne Foster’s performing and producing roots are in theatre, television, marketing, and promotions, beginning with the Press Relations Department of MTV Networks, followed by stops at Warner Brothers, Paramount Studios and the production company of celebrated film and television actor, director LeVar Burton.
	I have been a member of FAME for about twelve years and joined the Drama Guild two years after becoming a member. In 2014, my interest in the commercial, print and film industry led me to study with the highly respected Founder and Artistic Director, Mike Pointer at “Hey I Saw Your Commercial” Television Commercial Institute.
	THEODORE MARK MARTINEZ, a native of Belize, is a Theatre Arts graduate from Cal State Long Beach. Over the years, Theodore has been involved in Plays, Movies, Films, Print and many different styles of entertainment. Look out for him now, and in years to come!
	Ranier Kenny hails from Baltimore, Maryland. She obtained her B.S. Degree in Business Management from Virginia State University. Ranier’s credits include the films “Through the Glass,” “The Sad Truth about Happiness,” and “Sister Harlem” as well as infomercials. Because of her beautiful spirit, she works with at-risk kids helping them to become the best they can be.
	I started acting when I was younger; it was something that I loved to do for fun around family and friends. I have participated in 2 musicals, The Edutainer Part 1&2; I also participated in a play with Faithful Central Bible Church, Aladdin. I really have a passion for the arts as a whole! Being able to impact others through the arts is something I love to do not only because it brings me joy but because it brings joy to everyone else, allowing them to escape the inequalities of the world and just have a laugh or smile.
	Timothy Bryant, modern renaissance artist. If it’s in the arts I’ve done it (actor, puppetry, singer, musician, artist, stage tech…). You decide if it’s done well.
	Ernie King is a professional actor who has enjoyed working with the FAME Drama Guild for many years. “I’m just grateful to God for being a part of this production.”
	Nina Womack is an award-winning actress, filmmaker & event producer who founded Transmedia 360 LLC, a multimedia and branding agency specializing in edu-tainment. The artist-social entrepreneur is a Member of Parliament of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), a global sovereign government for the Pan-African diaspora. Since 1998, Nina has been a key event producer for large cultural events such as the African Marketplace & Cultural Faire, the MLK Kingdom Day Freedom Festival, the Malcolm X Festival, the Leimert Park Book Fair, and the Long Beach Jazz Festival.