Amele is the colourful host of a small hostel in the bustling neighbourhood of Katanga, Addis Ababa. She rents out beds to people from all walks of life; day labourers, streets kids, pickpockets. Katanga is one of the last few undeveloped places in the heart of Addis Ababa and is surrounded from all sides by the looming shadows of construction. Enkehone, a young man from the northern city of Gondar, works as an illegal street vendor while sleeping in Amele’s hostel. He is a shrewd and ambitious salesman who is constantly on the run from the police. The unpredictability of his business is shared by many who sleep in Amele’s house. Most have to scavenge together some money every day to afford staying the night. One day, during one of his street sales, Enkehone’s merchandise gets confiscated by the police. Several attempts to get his stuff back are fruitless; he is forced out of business. He starts spending more time at the hostel and he bears witness to the raw, chaotic but self sustaining energy of Katanga and its inhabitants. He also grows closer to Amele, who promises to support him until he gets back on his feet again.