Paulos Regassa had been battling heart disease for approximately 12 years, enduring five or six surgeries without ever stopping his creative work. His illness could not slow his relentless pursuit of the work he loved — colleagues recalled that the profession made him forget his own suffering. In his final months he traveled to India for medical care, accompanied by his wife Kulene Fikru and his sister Tigist Regassa. He bore his illness with remarkable grace and faith, continuing to work and inspire those around him for as long as he was able.
On March 21, 2026 (Megabit 12, 2018 E.C.), at the age of 54, Paulos Regassa passed from this world into eternity. He left behind his beloved wife Kulene Fikru, with whom he shared 21 years of marriage, and his two sons: Benny Paulos (19, a gifted pianist who composed the soundtrack for Meazar) and Amanuel Paulos (a promising cinematographer). He was survived also by his mother W/ro Yeshi Chali and his siblings.
"He didn't just work for the money; he worked for the joy of creating something perfect."
Paulos was a man of deep faith. He was a devoted Christian who studied Eschatology and passionately taught about the return of Christ. His faith was not separate from his work — it was the foundation of it. He approached every project with the same reverence he brought to his spiritual life: with integrity, humility, and a desire to create something of lasting worth.
Over a 27-year career, he shaped the landscape of Ethiopian cinema and music. From his early days at Solnet Studio to founding Resonance Film Production, from the landmark film Ashenge to producing gospel music for some of Ethiopia’s most beloved artists — Paulos Regassa gave everything he had to his craft, his country, and his community. He served over 100 brands, mentored countless peers, and freely shared knowledge that others hoarded. His legacy lives on in every film, every song, and every filmmaker he helped shape.
At the time of his death, Paulos left behind works that had not yet seen the light. On his laptop: a 24-year documentary following one infant girl from the Hawzen massacre through marriage and motherhood — a film he poured decades of quiet labor into. And written in notebooks and files: scripts for multiple historical epics about Ethiopia's resistance against the Italian occupation. In his final conversation with his childhood friend Rev. Dr. Geleta Simeso, he was excited about a plan to rearrange the traditional choir hymns of the church. He never stopped creating.
This memorial website is dedicated by Paul's Families and Friends as part of the Memory-Log Project — a commitment to preserving the legacies of Ethiopian artists and pioneers who have passed on.
