Haile Gerima's Epic Black Lions Challenges Italy's Colonial Lies at Berlinale
Haile Gerima's latest film, Black Lions – Roman Wolves, premiered at the Berlinale on 16 February 2026. The 531-minute documentary blends archival footage with contemporary interviews to challenge Italian narratives about Ethiopia's past. So far, no public or media reactions to the film itself have appeared online—only coverage of its trailer, premiere announcement, and Gerima's honorary Berlinale Camera award.
Gerima, who was born in Ethiopia and moved to the US in 1963, created the film to counter Italian misinformation about the 1935 invasion. Under Mussolini, Italy's campaign included the use of mustard gas, a fact Gerima argues has been downplayed in Western archives. For years, he faced difficulties accessing these materials, which inspired his push for better archival access for African filmmakers.
The Berlinale screening on 17 February also honoured Gerima with the Berlinale Camera for his career achievements. He attended alongside Charles Burnett, a fellow member of the L.A. Rebellion film movement. After the premiere, Gerima participated in a Q&A session, discussing the film's themes and his struggles with historical archives.
Black Lions – Roman Wolves marks Gerima's first feature since 2008. The project reflects his long-standing commitment to reclaiming African history through cinema.
The film's premiere has yet to spark visible public discussion, despite its ambitious length and historical focus. Gerima's call for greater archival access remains a key talking point, alongside his challenge to Italy's colonial narratives. The Berlinale Camera award recognises his decades of work in reshaping how African stories are told on screen.
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