Interview: Talking Filmmaking from Somaliland
By focusing on humanitarian themes, I aim to inspire positive change and foster a greater understanding of the challenges and beauty inherent in our society.
HARGEISA, Somaliland, July 26, 2024/-- A good filmmaker has to have a wealth of knowledge about life. A mathematician or musician might not. That is why math and musical prodigies exist. Pascal, Mozart, Steve Wonder, or the likes. Filmmaking even if born of natural talent, it has to be backed by an understanding or constant awareness of something.
Today, our guest embodies this. Mohamed while honing his craft each frame at a time, is creating compelling work with an unparalled point of view. With humanitarianism as his forte, he sheds light on his journey in the horn of Africa, aspects of Somali culture, inspirational movies, and more.
Let Kikao begin...
[Question 1] Welcome to Kikao, Mohamed. Profile yourself.
Hello! I'm honored to be here and happy to tell you a bit about myself. My name is Mohamed Badri and I'm a young filmmaker and storyteller based in Hargeisa, Somaliland. I grew up here in Hargeisa City of arts of the whole Somali region. I've been passionate about using visual media to tell stories and share perspectives from my community.
It's been an exciting journey so far, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for filmmaking and storytelling with audiences both within Somaliland and beyond. I'm always eager to collaborate with others who share my vision, so please feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss potential projects.
[Question 2] Take us through your filmmaking journey in Somaliland. The discoveries, hurdles, and the joys of it.
Basically, I'm from a media-centric household, during primary schooling, I further developed my passion by enrolling in a free journalism class, where I excelled. After completing my primary education, I faced the challenge of breaking into the media industry with no prior experience, but my determination led me to a job as an English to Somali news translator at a local television station.
Though balancing work and school was difficult, I persevered and eventually pursued a degree in Information Communication Technology, focusing on multimedia.
Today, I work as a filmmaker and storyteller in Hargeisa, driven by my lifelong love for the art of visual storytelling, and I hope to inspire future generations of Somaliland to pursue their passions in the field of filmmaking, because we are a community full of stories waiting to be told.
[Question 3] Your gravitate towards a documentary storytelling style with a humanitarian inclination. Why?
My gravitation towards a documentary storytelling style with a humanitarian inclination stems from my experiences and perspective as a filmmaker and storyteller. I believe that documentary storytelling is a powerful medium to highlight important social issues and cultural narratives.
My current projects, such as the short film video ”Ma Guuraan, (Unvariable)” which showcases the significance of trees in Somali society, reflect my commitment to raising awareness about critical topics that resonate deeply within our community. By focusing on humanitarian themes, I aim to inspire positive change and foster a greater understanding of the challenges and beauty inherent in our society.
[Question 4] Give us a sneak peak of MA GUURAN (Unvariable).
"Ma Guuraan" (Unvariable) is a somali no dialogue short film that explores the profound significance of trees in Somali society. It features five actors portraying roles that highlight different aspects of Somali culture, emphasizing the tree as a central motif that connects various elements of life and tradition.
"Ma Guuraan" invites viewers to reflect on the enduring bond between the Somali community and the natural world.
[Question 5] Somali oral literature is so plentiful in poetry and eloquence. The late Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadrawi) personified it. How does this impact your work?
The richness of Somali oral literature, particularly its poetry and eloquence, has a profound impact on my work as a filmmaker. The late Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadrawi) epitomized this tradition, and his legacy inspires me deeply. Here's how this influence manifests in my work:
i. Storytelling Techniques: Somali oral literature, with its intricate poetry and powerful narratives, provides a framework for my storytelling. I draw on its rhythm, structure, and emotive power to craft stories that resonate with audiences both emotionally and intellectually.
ii. Cultural Preservation: Hadrawi's work emphasizes the importance of preserving Somali culture and heritage. My films aim to do the same by capturing and showcasing the traditions, values, and everyday lives of Somali people. This not only keeps our culture alive but also educates and informs future generations.
iii. Language and Expression: The eloquence of Somali poetry influences the dialogue and narrative style in my films. I strive to use language that is not only true to our culture but also beautifully expressive, echoing the poetic traditions that have been passed down through generations.
iv. Themes and Motifs: Somali oral literature often explores themes of identity, resilience, and community. These themes are central to my work as I seek to highlight the strength and unity of the Somali people, as well as the challenges and triumphs we face.
v. Visual and Auditory Elements: Inspired by the vivid imagery and musicality of Somali poetry, I pay close attention to the visual and auditory elements of my films. This includes the use of traditional music, symbolic visuals, and a narrative pace that mirrors the flow of oral poetry.
vi. Authenticity: Hadrawi's commitment to authenticity in his work guides me to portray Somali life authentically. Whether it's through casting local actors, using real locations, or integrating traditional practices, I strive for a genuine representation of Somali culture.
In essence, the influence of Somali oral literature and Hadrawi's legacy is woven into every aspect of my filmmaking. It shapes how I tell stories, the themes I explore, and the way I connect with my audience.
[Question 6] What are the 7 films to get to know you?
African films and documentaries are my favorite category, as I support a strong Pan-African perspective. Here are the seven films and documentaries that have had a big impact on my work :-
i. Beasts of No Nation (2015) - by Cary Joji Fukunaga
Impact: This film's honest portrayal of child soldiers and war horrors has an influence on my storytelling method. It stresses the need for genuine and compelling narratives to highlight human struggles.
ii. Hotel Rwanda (2004) - by Terry George
Impact: The depiction of real-life heroism during genocide has motivated me to create stories that show deep human resilience and moral courage when facing huge challenges.
iii. 13th (2016) - by Ava DuVernay
Influence: This documentary's look into racial inequality and mass incarceration has pushed me to tackle system-wide problems and social justice topics in my own work. I aim to create stories that make an impact and get people thinking.
iv. Sunset Limited (2011) - by Tommy Lee Jones
Influence: The movie's deep talks and big ideas have shaped how I create characters and explore themes. It has taught me to focus on rich important conversations and inner struggles. The most interesting thing is most of the movie takes place in one room and only two characters!
v. Sembene! (2015) - by Samba Gadjigo and Jason Silverman
Influence: This film about Ousmane Sembene's groundbreaking work in African movies has pushed me to carry on the tradition of African filmmakers. These artists have used films to bring about social change and show their culture.
vi. Hoop Dreams (1994) - by Steve James
Influence: The movie's close look at the lives of young basketball players and their neighborhoods has changed how I tell stories about people. I now focus on how personal dreams and social realities come together.
vii. The Square (2013) - by Jehane Noujaim
Influence: This documentary shows grassroots activism and people seeking democratic change. It has sparked my interest to look into topics of political involvement and group action in my own films.
[Question 7] Beyond the lenses. What are you in beautiful Hargeisa?
In beautiful Hargeisa, beyond my role as a filmmaker, I'm also actively involved in community initiatives aimed at promoting arts education and cultural awareness. I engage in mentoring aspiring filmmakers and participate in local cultural events that celebrate Somaliland's artistic heritage.
The written interview was compiled by Phineahs Munene – Co-founder of WazoMoja for Mohamed Badri – of Mohamed Badri
Distributed by WazoMoja on behalf of Mohamed Badri
SOURCE
Mohamed Badri