Along a deserted beach in the wind and waves, a father and son, Mamargade and Cigaal, enjoy a bit of bliss in nature
Plot
A newly formed family faces challenges as they pursue individual goals and navigate the intricacies of modern life, relying on love, trust, and resilience to guide them. Such precious moments are few and far between, and the many jobs, drone strikes that bring death from above, checkpoints, and job payments that take months to materialize, if they ever materialize.
Cigaal dreams of light
In their simple, tiny house of cinder blocks and corrugated iron, the couple lives with Mamargade’s sister, Araweelo. Araweelo dreams of making and selling her own clothes.
The risks are immense
As a single woman, she can’t get a loan, so Araweelo hatches a plan to circumvent the regulations. “My whole life I try to make things better,” says Mamaragade, “but I keep making mistakes.” When misfortune overshadows virtually every aspect of daily life, it’s impossible to avoid “mistakes.” Yet this humble, hardworking trio never stops trying and hoping for luck, their own business, time at the beach, funding for school, and better days.
The Village Next to Paradise premiered at Cannes
“This is the first film shot in Somalia,” said director Mo Harawe, who attended the North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Harawe collaborated with the community of Paradise to make the film and used non-professional actors.
The investment in Somalia paid off in terms of the film’s authenticity
The ambient sound of radio music, traffic, waves, and wind also contributed to the film’s realistic nature. “The wind is a character,” said Harawe, “so the human characters are never alone.” »Culture is also a character, and I enjoyed the immersion in Somali songs, stories and landscapes.