The authority on Literary Quality

Ever since the soap “Acapulco Bay” aired on ETV, and got an almost cult following for atleast a year to come, there has been one thing that pisses me off (and makes me wonder) about who should be the judge of a quality [of the] work when it comes to our movies and books.

The obvious answer is, ofcourse, “the market”! But how can the market put a “quality tag” on a product of the mind when it’s run by dim-witted folks whose sole purpose is “profit” and profit only (i ain’t pointing fingers here, i’d want profit and profit only had i been the maker of one, but not with things that are “ye Aymiro Sira witetoch”, surely, not that!). The Audience? Well.. I know this would be a shocking statement in a country where the mere mention of the word “hizbu” is expected to command all kinds of obedience and abuse; but neither can the audience. It is entitled to have a quality work presented to it, but won’t know a good quality if it bites it on the butt (no doubt curteousy of our “dihnet”)!. A visit to the nearby video shop and a quick look at what everybody seems to be asking for (Prison Break, Indian movies with amharic subtitles, Prison Break) would bear me out.  

So, who should be the authority in redeeming the Ethiopian Film/Book market from trash? Whose hand should rock the cradle?