Somali Week Festival - The Village Next to Paradise

The Village Next to Paradise is the feature-length debut of Somali–Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe.

Set in a windswept Somali coastal village, the film follows single father Mamargade and his young son Cigaal, whose tranquil life is disrupted by societal pressures and the constant threat of drone attacks. When Mamargade’s divorced sister Araweelo returns home, the newly reunited family must balance their personal dreams—like opening a shop or seeking a better future—amid conflict and adversity. Visually arresting and emotionally resonant, the film is a quietly powerful exploration of resilience, hope, and what lies between dream and reality.