Mickies Kiros

Filmmaker / photograPher / teaching artist

Biography

Mickies Kiros is an Ethiopian-American filmmaker, photographer, and teaching artist based in Minnesota. His work is a powerful exploration of the Habesha diaspora experience, weaving together narratives of identity, cultural memory, and community through the lens of visual storytelling. Deeply rooted in his heritage, Kiros draws from the diverse tapestry of Ethiopian cultures to examine themes of tradition, displacement, and resilience.

Kiros’s films and scripts have garnered international recognition, earning him placements in global festivals and invitations to participate in artistic residencies and creative cohorts throughout Europe, including in Austria and France. His work captures the emotional and cultural complexity of migration—offering a modern perspective on what it means to carry ancestral traditions while navigating contemporary life across borders.

A multidisciplinary artist, Mickies blends cinematic technique with photography, movement, and writing to develop emotionally resonant work that reflects the dualities of his lived experience. His approach is both intuitive and intentional, combining carefully composed visuals with layered storytelling that honors the voices and histories of Ethiopian and African diasporic communities.

Since joining In Progress in 2023, Kiros has evolved from an emerging artist to a mentor and instructor. He now serves as a teaching artist in the areas of film and photography, where he shares his knowledge with youth and early-career artists across Minnesota. Through his mentorship, he supports others in discovering their creative voices while championing the preservation and evolution of cultural identity through digital media.

qualifications

Mickies Kiros is highly skilled in cinematic camera techniques, demonstrating a strong understanding of lighting, composition, and movement to effectively tell visual stories. He has developed advanced proficiency in portraiture photography, capturing compelling images that reflect identity, emotion, and culture.

As a writer and director, Kiros has created original scripts and films that have been recognized internationally, showcasing his ability to develop powerful narratives rooted in personal and cultural experiences. Additionally, he is well-versed in digital storytelling, using multimedia tools and platforms to explore themes of migration, heritage, and community through photography, film, and written word.

SKILLS

  • cinematic camera technique

  • portraiture photography

  • writing and directing

  • digital storytelling

Teaching qualifications

  • film/photography workshop instruction with In Progress’s Waterers Program

  • family and age specific instruction, ages 10 and up.

  • workshop and residency instruction in schools and communities throughout Minnesota

  • leads film screenings and discussions

Links