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 skilfully captures the life, longing, and resilience of this family and the consequences of Mamargade’s increasingly desperate decisions.
Having screened Harawe’s short Life on the Horn back in 2023, we are delighted to present The Village Next to Paradise – the first Somali film to be presented at the Cannes Film Festival – in our 2025 edition.