The Village Next to Paradise - SAFAR Film Festival 2025
Running time: 133 mins
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Mo Harawe
Release Date: 18/06/2025
In a picturesque coastal Somali village, named Paradise, a family is forced to reckon with the divergent paths taken to build a stable life in a world of drone strikes, and the extraordinary pressures of a society where you cannot always make your own choices.
Mamargade, a devoted father, is willing to do what many will not to support his family, including acting as repair-man, driver, and a grave-digger of illicit graves for anyone who pays. In the humble home he shares with his sister Araweelo and his gifted son Cigaal, Araweelo dreams of an independent life which she seems increasingly closer to achieving. Meanwhile, Cigaal’s future is arranged by his father, who is determined he will not have to make similar choices.
Mo Harawe's beautifully rendered feature debut - the first Somali film to be presented at the Cannes Film Festival - skilfully captures the life, longing, and resilience of this family and the consequences of Mamargade’s increasingly desperate decisions.
Content notices: Explores themes of death and violence, including the presence of drone strikes and distressing scenes including scenes of burial.
About the festival:
SAFAR Film Festival is the UK’s leading platform for independent Arab cinema. 2025 marks its landmark 10th edition with screenings in 10 cities and online from from 11-28 June 2025. View the full programme on www.safarfilmfestival.co.uk or follow on @safarfilmfestival
SAFAR is organised by the Arab British Centre and is supported by the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery, the British Council, the Bagri Foundation, the Asfari Foundation, the City of London Corporation and Barjeel Art Foundation. Presented in partnership with Shubbak Festival.
