Hairat 2017
Director Jessica Beshir crafts a hauntingly poetic short documentary, *Hairat (2017)*, around Yussuf Mume Saleh's remarkable bond with hyenas.
Director: Jessica Beshir
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hairat (2017) about?
This seven-minute documentary follows Yussuf Mume Saleh, who embarks on nightly treks to the outskirts of Harar to spend time with a group of hyenas. His decades-long ritual reveals a bond that blurs the line between human and wild animal, offering a glimpse into a relationship grounded in trust and tradition.
Who directed Hairat?
Jessica Beshir is the director behind *Hairat*, bringing a poetic and atmospheric touch to this unconventional documentary.
Who stars in Hairat?
The film centers on Yussuf Mume Saleh, with Elias Shagiz and Adonay Tesfaye also featured in key roles.
Is Hairat (2017) worth watching?
While short in length, *Hairat* packs an emotional and visual punch. Its unique premise, striking cinematography, and meditative tone make it a standout for fans of documentaries or cultural studies, even without a typical plot or IMDb rating.
How long is Hairat?
The runtime for *Hairat* is 7 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Hairat (2017) — Jessica Beshir's Haunting Ethiopian Documentary Short
Director Jessica Beshir crafts a hauntingly poetic short documentary, *Hairat (2017)*, around Yussuf Mume Saleh's remarkable bond with hyenas. For over three decades, Saleh's nocturnal journeys take him to the edges of Harar's ancient walled city, where he forges a connection with these wild creatures under the cover of darkness. The film weaves together themes of solitude, tradition, and the fragile line between human and animal worlds, all bathed in the stark beauty of nighttime Ethiopia. Beshir's lens captures both the eerie majesty of the hyenas and the quiet determination of Saleh, painting a portrait that lingers long after the credits roll.
This seven-minute gem defies expectations, blending documentary realism with an almost mythic sensibility. *Hairat (2017)* isn't just a story about a man and animals—it's a meditation on how bonds transcend species, how rituals endure across generations, and how the night holds secrets even the walled city can't contain.