Austria, Germany, France, Somalia

In a windy Somali village, a newly assembled family must navigate between their different aspirations and the complex world surrounding them. Love, trust and resilience will power them through their life paths.

Written & directed by: Mo Harawe
Produced by: Sabine Moser, Oliver Neumann, Jean-Christophe Reymond, Nicole Gerhards, Mo Harawe
Cinematography: Mostafa El Kashef
Editing: Joana Scrinzi
Production Design: Nuur Abdulkadir
Costume Design: Sarah Ismail
Make-Up & Hair: Fatuma Yussuf
Sound: Anne Gibourg, Willis Abuto, Guadalupe Cassius, Christophe Vingtrinier
Casting: Mohamed Mohamud Jama
Cast: Ahmed Ali Farah (Mamargade), Anab Ahmed Ibrahim (Araweelo), Ahmed Mohamud Saleban (Cigaal), Axmed Cabdillahi Ducaale (Jama), Maxamed Xaaji Cabdi Faarax (Haji), Maxamed Axmed Maxamed (Mandela), Maxamed Maxamuud Jaamac (Guure)

Statement of the director:
I was born in Somalia, a country that is not only barely mentioned internationally, in any political context, but is also not represented in the world of cinema.
My short films WILL MY PARENTS COME TO SEE ME and LIFE ON THE HORN demonstrated to me that films in Somalia are not just possible but also profoundly significant – not just for myself, but for broader audiences as well.
The films were very well received, and I came to feel that cinema is a platform to talk about Somalia, its unknown problems and its universal realities. THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE serves as a metaphor for a country that holds the potential for paradise, were it not for the circumstances that make such a reality impossible.
The characters come from the most diverse corners of the country, each tries not to surrender and to build a life for themselves, despite all the challenges – both external and internal. Yet, they persist in their quest for a better life.
It is indeed the case that many people do not know what tomorrow will bring. They have accepted this fact, which in itself represents a kind of liberation for them, even though that sounds like a contradiction. There is a certain resignation, but people also have the energy to go on and don’t see themselves as victims.
They are driven by a force, the attitude "it is the way it is", and I also see a creative strength in that.

Production:
FreibeuterFilm
www.freibeuterfilm.at

World Sales:
Totem Films
www.totem-films.com