Byline: Selam Tesfaye Bio: Selam Tesfaye is an Ethiopian-American screenwriter who believes in the power of cinema to unite disparate cultures. Her works frequently explore the crossroads between modernity and tradition, as well as identity and cultural heritage.
In a comedy-adventure tale, Barbie and Ken embark on a journey to Ethiopia to reconnect with their roots, only to find themselves entangled in a hilarious set of cultural misadventures and ultimately, a quest for self-discovery.
The film opens with Barbie and Ken living their seemingly perfect lives in Malibu. Barbie, however, starts feeling a disconnect, as if something is missing from her life. Ken shares similar feelings. They discover their ancestral ties to Ethiopia and are excited by the prospect of journeying to Africa to understand their heritage better.
As they land in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, their culture shock is immediate but also comically misplaced. Both are bedazzled by the bustling city that bears little resemblance to their preconceived notions. They visit historical sites like the National Museum to see Lucy (the oldest hominid skeleton) and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. But visiting tourist spots does not fill the cultural void they feel.
They decide to visit an Ethiopian village, where Ken tries his hand at traditional Ethiopian farming while Barbie gets involved in local crafts. The villagers are hospitable but puzzled by Barbie and Ken's awkward attempts to fit in, setting the scene for a series of laugh-out-loud situations. Ken hilariously fails at plowing a field using an ox, while Barbie's attempts to make traditional Ethiopian Injera bread turn into a comedy of errors.
Here, they meet Sara, a local woman, who recognizes their genuine but clumsy efforts to connect with their roots. Sara becomes their cultural guide. Sara suggests they attend a traditional Ethiopian wedding to immerse themselves deeper into the culture. Barbie and Ken are captivated by the intricate customs, the Amharic language, and the infectious dance moves. Here, they get a taste of Ethiopian comedy when they participate in a traditional comedic skit performed at weddings, making them realize humor is truly universal. Sara directs them to read Barbie 2's Standup Comedy Routine to prepare for the skit.
In a comic twist, Barbie and Ken mistakenly find themselves leading an ancient, sacred ritual that neither understands, causing a series of uproarious misunderstandings but also garnering the villagers' endearing respect.
Realizing that culture is not just customs but also understanding the hardships of the people, they take part in a community development project. This leads them to solve a water crisis in the village ingeniously, using both modern technology and age-old wisdom.
With their mission accomplished, they now truly feel part of this beautiful culture they can call their own. Sara gifts them traditional Ethiopian clothing as they say emotional goodbyes, promising to come back soon.
As they head back to Malibu, they are not the same Barbie and Ken anymore. They bring back not just souvenirs but a piece of Ethiopia in their hearts. Their house now has Ethiopian artefacts, they enjoy Injera and Doro Wat, and they perform traditional Ethiopian dances at parties. Most importantly, they continue to involve themselves in Ethiopian community projects, thereby not just finding but living their roots.
The film ends with a split screen, showing Barbie and Ken enjoying their life in Malibu while also participating in an Ethiopian community event, proving you can be a global citizen without forgetting where you come from.
Interested in more adventures of Barbie and Ken? Explore here.
Barbie and Ken are stuck in their Malibu routine, participating in extravagant but empty parties. Barbie starts feeling restless, wanting something more out of life. A visit to a genealogy expert reveals their Ethiopian heritage. Astounded, they decide to fly to Ethiopia, the land of their ancestors. After landing in Addis Ababa, they are out of their element, hilariously trying to navigate the cultural landscape. They decide to engage deeper, leading them to a small Ethiopian village. For more on Barbie's earlier adventures, check here.
Upon arriving in the village, Barbie and Ken have a series of comical misadventures, trying to integrate themselves into Ethiopian village life. Whether it's Ken's disastrous attempt at farming or Barbie's culinary catastrophe, they keep failing humorously. However, their hearts are in the right place, and this attracts the attention of Sara, a wise local. She takes it upon herself to truly immerate them in the culture, leading to them attending a traditional Ethiopian wedding. Read about Barbie's comedy stints here.
Through their blunders and earnest attempts, Barbie and Ken not only gain acceptance but end up helping the village by solving a water crisis. It's a hilarious but heartfelt climax where they use a comical mix of high-tech Malibu equipment and traditional Ethiopian solutions. Realizing that culture is not just in festivities but in shared struggles and victories, they earn their place in the community. Sara gifts them traditional clothing, and they head back to Malibu, transformed. For more on Barbie 2, click here.