36/14
a bit of happiness in nature
Chronology
The newly formed family faces challenges as they strive to achieve individual goals and face the complexities of modern life, relying on love, trust and resilience to guide them. A deserted beach in the wind and waves is enjoyed by father and son Mamargade and Cigaal. Such precious moments are few and far between the many jobs, drone strikes that bring death from above, checkpoints and work payments that take months to materialize, if they ever come true.
Cigaal dreams of light
In their simple and small cinder block and corrugated steel house, the couple lives with Mamargade’s sister Araweelo. Araweelo dreams of making and selling her own clothes. Being single, she cannot get a loan, so Araweelo devises a plan to get around the rules.
The risks are enormous
"My whole life I have been trying to make things better," says Mamargade "but I keep making mistakes." When misfortune overshadows almost every aspect of daily life, there is no avoiding "mistakes". Yet the humble and hardworking trio never stop striving and hoping for success, their business, time at the beach, funding for school and better days. The Village Next to Paradise premiered in Cannes for the first time.
The investment in Somalia paid off in terms of the film’s authenticity
“It’s the first film to be shot in Somalia,” said director Mo Harave, who attended the North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Harave collaborated with the Paradise community to make the film and employed non-professional actors. The ambient sound of music on the radio, traffic, waves and wind also contributed to a realistic nature.