The Village Next to Paradise

The Village Next to Paradise is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Mo Harawe in his feature-length debut. Starring Ahmed Ali Farah, Ahmed Mohamud Saleban, and Anab Ahmed Ibrahim as a family in turmoil, The Village Next to Paradise was the first Somali film to be featured in the Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival.

Premise

Mamargrade struggles to raise his son Cigaal in their rural Somali village amidst conflict, natural disasters, and the constant presence of drones from the United States. Their family dynamic is further altered by the arrival of Marmargrade's sister Araweelo, who is seeking a fresh start after her divorce.

Cast

Ahmed Ali Farah as Mamamrgrade
Anab Ahmed Ibrahim as Araweelo
Ahmed Mohamud Saleban as Cigaal

Production

The film was shot in Somalia with a principal cast of first-time actors.

Release

The Village Next to Paradise premiered on May 21, 2024, in the Un Certain Regard portion of the Cannes Film Festival, where it was eligible for the Camera d'Or award. It has also been selected for the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 under the World Cinema section. It had its French theatrical debut in Paris on April 9th, 2025.