25/27
On a deserted beach in the wind and waves, father and son, Mamargade and Cigaal, enjoy a little happiness in nature
Synopsis
A newly formed family faces challenges as they pursue their individual goals and navigate the complexities of modern life, relying on love, trust, and perseverance to guide them. Such precious moments are few and far between between the numerous jobs, the drone strikes that bring death from above, the checkpoints, and the work rewards that take months to materialize, if they ever materialize.
Cigaal dreams of light
In their simple and small home of cinder blocks and corrugated cardboard, the couple lives with Mamargade’s sister, Araweelo. Araweelo dreams of making and selling her own clothes.
The risks are enormous
As an unmarried woman, she cannot get a loan, so Araweelo devises a plan to circumvent the order. "My whole life I have been trying to make things better," says Mamargade, “but I keep making mistakes.” When misfortune obscures almost every aspect of everyday life, it’s impossible to avoid “mistakes.” Yet the humble and hardworking trio never stop trying and hoping for happiness, their own business, time at the beach, school funding and better days.
Paradise Village premiered at Cannes
“It’s the first film to be shot on location in Somalia,” said director Mo Harawe, who attended this North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Harawe collaborated with the Paradise community to make the film and hired non-professional actors.
Investing in Somalia supported the film’s authenticity
The atmospheric sound of radio music, traffic, waves and wind also contributed to the realistic nature. “The wind is a character,” said Harawe, “so the human characters are never alone.” Culture is also a character, and I enjoyed immersing myself in Somali songs, stories and landscape.