What is somali films?

Somali films refer to movies produced in the Somali language by the Somali film industry. This industry emerged in the 1960s, after Somalia gained independence from Italian and British colonial administrations.

During this time, a group of Somali filmmakers set up the Somali Film Agency (SFA) to create movies that would reflect the country's values, customs, traditions, and way of life. The SFA produced over 100 films, ranging from documentaries to fiction, and many Somali actors, actresses, and screenwriters also emerged.

However, the Somali film industry suffered a significant setback in the 1990s, when the Somalia Civil War broke out, leading to many filmmakers fleeing the country.

Today, there has been a renewed interest in Somali film, with many young Somali filmmakers creating movies using new digital technologies and platforms. These films cover various genres, including romance, comedy, action, and drama, and aim to tell contemporary Somali stories while preserving the culture and heritage of the Somali people.