Behind the Scenes – In the Gamo Highlands of Ethiopia with Director Toby McLeod

One of the most dramatic scenes in episode 3, Fire and Ice, of our Standing on Sacred Ground series, unfolded during a new year ceremony that escalated to a dangerous conflict right before my eyes – and my lens. This short film clip is a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like filming at the Dorbo Meadow sacred site that day and provides more context for the conflict—context I wish I’d had in the moment. In any event, we captured an important scene as evangelical Christians interrupted a traditional ceremony. We edited this backstory account to go with the DVD of the film.

—Christopher (Toby) McLeod