Adbar Films – Crafted in Light

MelkAdbar > Adbar Films

For years, Melkadbar stood on Georgia Avenue, DC across from Howard University as our creative temple, a space where artists gathered, stories were born, and light met imagination. It was more than a studio; it was a home for experimentation, collaboration, and community.

As we close the doors to that beloved space, we carry its spirit forward into a new chapter with Adbar Films, a production house devoted to film and photography. What began within those walls now expands outward, focused on crafting cinematic stories and striking images that connect people, cultures, and ideas.

Our mission remains the same: to create with intention, to honor the craft, and to hold space for visionaries. Adbar Films continues the lineage of Melkadbar, transforming its energy into motion, light, and story.

Client Photography

Cinematic stills. Lasting impressions.

Adbar Films captures the spirit of your story in every frame. Bold, intentional, and unmistakably you. From portraits and brand campaigns to behind-the-scenes coverage, we craft images that tell stories — capturing authenticity, atmosphere, and emotion in every frame.

Film Production

Cinematic Precision + Emotional Depth

At Adbar Films, we craft stories that move people. From commercials and branded content to documentaries, music videos, and live events, our team brings a cinematic approach to every project. We collaborate closely with clients to translate vision into visual language — producing films that captivate, communicate, and endure.

Wardrobe + Styling

Film

Begena Begenaye

A film in progress by @i_rusalem and @melketsadek.

We started this journey in search of finding a begena instructor for my partner and co-director Eyerusalem. What we found were kindred spirits at various levels of proficiency who were just as passionate and exploring the instrument from their own perspective. As we collected their individual stories and their connection to the lineage of players before them, we started to realize how much was lost to time. This brought into perspective the importance of documenting what remains for the generations to come.

As the Begena was passed down through many generations from master to pupil, we hope this film could serve as a forum for inter-generational discourse around the Begena in the context of African musical traditions, folklore, spirituality, religion, history, poetry, art, science, and the wisdom of Ethiopian mystics past and present.

Support Begena Begenaye