The One World Media Awards is one of the foremost awards events in the UK. It rewards the most outstanding media coverage of the developing world, and recognises the unique role of journalists and filmmakers in bridging the divide between different societies and raising awareness of vital development issues. They have been referred to as the "Oscars" of factual broadcasting in the UK.

The Special Award is awarded to an outstanding project working on the ground in the developing world where media activity has made a real impact on people's lives.  And GemTV has won it this year! 

Adanech Admassu, GemTV’s film director, accepts the award on behalf of GemTV
Gem TV would like to thank all the NGOs and other organizations  who have worked with GemTV in Ethiopia over the years, giving them the opportunity to make the films that together have won this award.

Community filmmakers from back streets of Addis Ababa win prestigious international Award

Gem TV, a group of young, independent, Ethiopian filmmakers, many of whom were street kids,  have won the 2012 Special Award at the One World Media Awards in London. 

The Special Award, which is sponsored by the Thomson Media Foundation, recognises an outstanding project working on the ground in the developing world where media activity has made a real impact on people's lives. 

Standing alongside nominees who included the BBC, ITN and other leading international media organizations, Gem TV Film Director, Adanech Admassu, received the award saying that she hoped it would raise the profile of Gem TV’s work in Ethiopia where they have made films for UNICEF, UNDP, Oxfam, Water Aid and Womankind amongst others. 

GemTV films have addressed  key issues such as girls’ education, health and sanitation, HIV/AIDS, FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and many other developing world issues.  

Clutching the Special Award, Adanech also spoke of Gem TV’s pioneering work in producing behaviour change drama films, which not only raise awareness of issues but have inspired people all over Ethiopia to make positive changes and improve their lives for themselves.  Shown in the Ethiopian parliament, their film, Stolen Childhood, was a drama-documentary which addressed early marriage and told the true-life story of how a young girl from the countryside was condemned to a life on the streets.  Its searing portrayal left the members of parliament shocked and played a role in getting new legislation passed.  That’s the difference a Gem TV film can make. 

Adanech stressed that coming from underprivileged backgrounds themselves, the Gem TV film-makers bring a unique insight into the issues their films address as well as an acute cultural awareness.  

Speaking on behalf of all the Gem TV filmmakers, she said that what made this award extra special was that it wasn’t for a single film but recognised Gem TV’s long-term commitment to filmmaking in Ethiopia, and celebrated the positive effect their films have made to countless people over many years.  

GemTV is part of the Gemini Foundation, a local Ethiopian  NGO founded 27 years ago by Dr. Carmela Green-Abate,  that assists families with twins living in the slums in Addis Ababa.