BIG ARAIA is a reclamation of a lost connection with a very personal history. For most of my life, I only knew my father’s name and the country he came from. I searched for information about my father for over a decade without any success, until an unexpected phone call from an old acquaintance opened a door that had been closed to me since birth. In this documentary, you will see me return to my father’s home, meet his family and begin to fill in the missing puzzle pieces of his past. It’s more than a personal narrative, it also symbolizes the yearning many African-Americans have to reconnect with their African roots.
This is a film about the diaspora. It’s bigger than just going to a new country to meet new people, this is the realization of a dream many African-Americans have. To find their roots and hold history in their own hands. I am lucky enough to get an opportunity to make that dream a reality, and it is an experience that is meant to be shared. Eritrea is a country few people know about. The small East African nation holds within it a people and culture that has survived an epic war and built a brighter future in its short, but extraordinary existence.
Meron Akalu
May 16, 2012 at 8:44 amYour Story is so inspiring! I am so excited for you, it is going to be an incredible journey. I grew up in Asmara and I am very familiar with the motherland I will be in Eritrea this summer so let me know if you need help! Enjoy your trip.
Jennifer
July 23, 2012 at 3:31 amHey! Just read through some of your posts- sounds like a big project- bold step! GOOD LUCK with the filming!! GOD BLESS.
Wise words from Maya Angelou
“Hold those things that tell your history and protect them.”
natnael
November 8, 2012 at 3:07 pmhey..frnd dont be lost ur confidenss okey u can found ur family one day..Gbu
natnael
November 8, 2012 at 3:12 pmfrnd araiaya..am her live in eritrea…okey..so contact me..if u want..mahelp….dont be confesss okey realy…this all..is okey i mean that..if u contact with me nd send all ur story …nd am change ur story to tigrignia after that its easy to share ur all story to ma cauntry in newspaper..okey so only u r send ur hall ur story with ur pics to me..after few days believe me u can find ur family okey…..again my contact 002917314158…God is with u..may peace of God jesus with u byeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Wedi Araia
November 8, 2012 at 9:58 pmThank you For your offer of help! I know who my family is in Asmara and in Seganeti. I will travel to see them early next year. That is why I am making the film!
Hannibal
May 5, 2013 at 12:32 pmNatnael
You miss the whole point of the project , he is neither confused nor a lost boy as u might think, all he need is to meet and see his family members back home for first time he knows where they are. Besides why would he send you his story while he is planing to come to Eritrea?
Wedi Araia
May 5, 2013 at 2:04 pmI am glad people are understanding what my mission is. There are times when this project feels like too heavy a load for one person to carry. But I keep trying. What I need is the support of the Eritrean Diaspora. This project needs very small donations from a lot of people. I don’t want one person donating $20,000 to help get this film made. What would mean the most to me is if I could get 1000 Eritreans all over the globe to donate $20 each. There is power in numbers. Having Eritrean support gives my project even more authenticity and that matters very much. Please spread the word about the website and the project!
Hannibal
May 5, 2013 at 12:37 pmGood luck wedi araia. You will make this smoothly. You will meet them all. JUst get ready fofr lots of teras tears of happiness. Our ppl can be dramatic. Good luck and bless you