The Village Next To Paradise: dir Mo Harawe (2024)

The first Somali film to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival (in 2024), The Village Next to Paradise tells the story of Mamargrade who is struggling to raise his son Cigaal in their rural Somali village amidst conflict, natural disasters, and the constant presence of drones. The family dynamic is altered by the arrival of Marmargrade’s sister Araweelo, seeking a fresh start after her divorce. The newly formed family has to confront challenges while pursuing individual goals and facing the intricacies of modern life, relying on love, trust, and resilience to guide them.

This Austrian-produced film shows in the Foundation’s Imaging Room as part of the European Film Festival, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the UAE in partnership with the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah Art. Through a curated selection of titles ranging from award-winning productions to emerging voices in European cinema, and with impressively discounted ticket prices, the Festival aims to highlight the richness and diversity of Europe’s film landscape.