13 Months of Sunshine was the Opening Night film screening for the American Film Institute Silver’s (AFI Silver) New African Film Festival Thursday, March 19, 2009. Some incoming reviews follow.

Bloggin’ Nomad – A New Ray of Light In African Cinema: “First-time director Yehdego Abeselom’s feature length film, 13 Months of Sunshine, has slowly been making its way in film festivals around the world, gathering support and fans in the process. Abeselom’s ability to honestly depict his characters and Ethiopian culture in America while bringing humor, understanding and universal themes made for an enjoyable movie. This is the first time an Ethiopian film was chosen as the opening feature film for the New African Film Festival at AFI Silver and will definitely not be the last.” (emphasis added)

Todd Hitchcock, Festival coordinator, named 13 Months of Sunshine as one of his favorite films from this year’s crop of African cinema. From Gazette.net: “The 14 feature-length film festival, Hitchcock says, has a “good overall selection [of films] … the quality is up there.” Among his personal favorites, which Munthali mentioned as well, is the opening-night film “13 Months of Sunshine” by first-time director Yehdego Abeselom. Since Montgomery County has a substantial Ethiopian community, Hitchcock is delighted to lead with this story of the Ethiopian experience of the American dream. He notes that Abol Ethiopian Cuisine, AFI’s across-the-street neighbor, will cater the cocktail reception.”

The Washington Post says 13 Months of Sunshine “does bear the thread of something real: the new immigrant experience.”

VOA News‘ Henok Semaegzer Fente interviewed several audience members: “Ubang Sirius is a Nigerian who lives in America. He says the story of 13 Months of Sunshine resonates with him. ‘I like the movie. It [reflects a commonality felt by] most African [immigrants to the US].’

‘The first generation of Africans are trying to find a way to navigate in this society and trying to hold on to some of [their] cultural esthetics, at the same time [they are] trying to develop and grow [their] own individuality.’

Fana Maru Aragaw is an Ethiopian who lives in Washington, D.C. She says the movie captures the realities of the Ethiopian Diaspora community. ‘I thought it portrayed a lot of the realities that Ethiopians face here, especially the ones who have immigration issues,’ She said.”