The Village Next to Paradise

Somali-born writer-director Mo Harawe’s debut feature THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE—a remarkable tale of love, resilience and hope—gives us a glimpse of a country rarely seen on the big screen. Maddening wind and whirling sand characterise Paradise, a ramshackle village on Somalia’s coast that Mamargade (Ahmed Ali Farah) calls home. Under the constant threat of US killer drones, the resourceful man struggles in odd jobs to provide a better future for his son Cigaal (Ahmed Mohamud Saleban), a bright schoolboy. Mamargade’s sister Araweelo (Anab Ahmed Ibrahim) also lives with them following her divorce, and she is determined to take control of her own destiny. As they all navigate the troubled waters of life, they occasionally lose their grip but never give up, ultimately learning to face their responsibilities. With an unhurried pace, the film truthfully conveys their lives and struggles. Harsh realities are transcended with grace, becoming something spiritual, while the intense bonds between the family members remain implicit. Gestures are composed and voices are hushed; even when tragedy strikes, the characters preserve their dignity. Heartfelt and poignant, Harawe offers us a lesson in humanity. (Maria Giovanna Vagenas)

In the presence of Mo Harawe, Sabine Moser, Oliver Neuman and Abdimalik Yusuf.

Mo Harawe: WAIT A MINUTE (2012, K), THE OTHER SIDE (2014, K), IDENTITY (2015), ONE LAST MOMENT (2016, K), THE STORY OF THE POLAR BEAR THAT WENT TO AFRICA (2018, K), 28 MIN), 1947 (2019, K), LIFE ON THE HORN (2020, K), WILL MY PARENTS COME TO SEE ME (2022, K)