THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE

In the organizer's words:

SOM/BRD/AUT/FRA 2024, Feature film, 133 min, FSK 12

Director: Mo Harawe

Language: OmU (Somali with German subtitles)

Content Notes: 5

In a remote village in Somalia, single father Mamargade struggles with the challenges of daily life. When the school is to be closed, he has to find new ways of financing his young son Cigaal's education. Meanwhile, his sister Araweelo is looking for a new home with them and a fresh start for herself after her divorce. Cigaal is sometimes overlooked in this turmoil. But despite their different goals and all the challenges, the family members continue on their path with quiet optimism.

With his debut film, Somali-Austrian screenwriter and director Mo Harawe delivers a powerful story about love, resilience and hope in the midst of post-colonial realities. Always at eye level with his characters and not without humor, he provides an insight into a country whose stories and aesthetics are rarely seen on cinema screens. In 2024, it was the first Somali film ever to be shown in competition at Cannes, the world's most important film festival.

ENG: In a remote village in Somalia, single father Mamargade has to find new ways to finance the education of his young son Cigaal. Meanwhile, his sister Araweelo is looking for a new start after her divorce.
With his debut film, Somali-Austrian screenwriter and director Mo Harawe delivers a powerful story about love, resilience and hope in the midst of post-colonial realities. He provides an insight into a country whose stories and aesthetics are rarely seen on cinema screens. (Somali with German subtitles)

Price information:

- 7.00 € (regular) - 5.50 € (reduced*) - 3.50 € (with Leipzig Pass, disabled pass, volunteer pass) - Films longer than 130 min: + 1.00 € - Tickets are available online (plus € 0.70 booking fee), remaining tickets at the Box Office.