Black Slaughter
A young Ethiopian Jew embarks on a journey to Palestine that will rewrite his destiny.
Back in 1996, the news broke that Israeli health authorities were secretly throwing away blood donations from Ethiopian Jews, exposing just how deep the discrimination against the community ran. Unfolding over a single, intense 24-hour period against the backdrop of these true events, the film follows Hailu – a 21-year-old in line to replace his Kes as the community’s next spiritual leader. Sent into the desert by his mentor to carry out a forbidden ancient ritual, Hailu ends up wandering across the border into Palestine, where people embrace his religious diversity and allow him to perform the rite. But on his journey to and from Palestine, a whirlwind of events and an unexpected love force him to rethink the life script he’s been handed – and figure out a new one of his own.
Directed by New York-based photographer and filmmaker Gigi Betito, “Black Slaughter” is a stunning, cinematic watch and an unexpected combination of profound human empathy and a powerful, dark comedic edge. Rooted in real history, it’s a deeply personal story about figuring out who you are and what actually matters when you’re caught between the rigid walls of race, religion, and nationalism.
Malaika Bova
Biography
Gigi Betito is a New York-based film director and photographer. He began his career in fashion photography before moving into filmmaking, directing the documentary “Downtown Divas” (2014) and the short film “E.W.A.” (2016). His feature debut, “Black Slaughter”, was shot on 16mm and explores race, religion, and identity within Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community. Betito also works in music videos and commercial filmmaking.
Filmography
E.W.A (2016, short), Black Slaughter (2026)
Award for the best film, grant of 5000€ by
