The Village Next to Paradise

Last updated
The Village Next to Paradise
Directed by Mo Harawe
Story byMo Harawe
Produced by
  • Sabine Moser
  • Oliver Neumann
  • Nuur Abdulkadir Shriwa
Starring
  • Ahmed Ali Farah
  • Anab Ahmed Ibrahim
  • Ahmed Mohamud Saleban
CinematographyMostafa El Kashef
Production
companies
  • FreibeuterFilm
  • Kazak Productions
  • NiKo Film
  • Maanmaal ACC
Release date
Running time
132 minutes
Countries
  • Austria
  • France
  • Somalia

The Village Next to Paradise is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Mo Harawe in his feature-length debut. [2] 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. [1] [3] [4]

Contents

Premise

Mamargrade (Farah) struggles to raise his son Cigaal (Saleban) in their rural Somali village amidst conflict, natural disasters, and the constant presence of drones from the United States. [3] Their family dynamic is further altered by the arrival of Marmargrade's sister Araweelo (Ibrahim), who is seeking a fresh start after her divorce. [5]

Cast

Production

The film was shot in Somalia with a principal cast of first-time actors. [4]

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. [1] It has also been selected for the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 under the World Cinema section. [6] It had its French theatrical debut in Paris on April 9th, 2025.

Reception

Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 100% of 6 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7/10. [7]

Accolades

AwardCeremony dateCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
Cannes Film Festival 24 May 2024 Un Certain Regard The Village Next to ParadiseNominated [2]
25 May 2024 Camera d'Or Pending [2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Baughan, Nikki. "'The Village Next To Paradise': Cannes Review". Screen Daily. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Goodfellow, Melanie. "Totem Films Boards Sales On Somali Cannes Un Certain Regard Title 'The Village Next To Paradise'". Deadline. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  3. 1 2 Vourlias, Christopher. "Somali Filmmaker Mo Harawe Makes History in Cannes With Intimate Family Drama 'The Village Next to Paradise'". Variety. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  4. 1 2 Abraham, Hannah. "Somali Director Mo Harawe Talks History-Making Cannes Title 'The Village Next To Paradise': "For 70% Of The Crew, It Was First Time On A Film Set"". Deadline. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  5. ↑ "Mo Harawe with "Village Next to Paradise" in Cannes". Kunsthochschule Kassel. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  6. ↑ Deb, Deepshikha (2024-09-30). "MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Unveils 2024 Official Lineup". High On Films. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  7. ↑ "The Village Next to Paradise". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved 4 June 2024. OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
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