Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – In an exciting cultural milestone, Somali-language films have begun to appear on Ethiopian screens, signaling a growing platform for Somali cinema within Ethiopia.
While Ethiopia’s long-running Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) in Addis Ababa—held in May 2025—primarily showcases documentaries and socially conscious films from across Africa, there were notable inclusions of Somali-focused productions, highlighting the increasing cross-border appeal of Somali narratives.
The AfriDocs documentary platform—accessible in Ethiopia—offers important Somali documentaries and short films that have been broadcast in the Somali Region via channels like Kana TV, previously understood to include Somali-language content addressing migration and social issues .
On the horizon is the spotlighted 2024 Somali–Austrian feature The Village Next to Paradise, directed by Mo Harawe, which made history as the first Somali film selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and is gaining traction across international festivals. Although its theatrical release has focused on Europe so far, its presence on the global festival circuit enhances prospects for screenings in Ethiopian events in the near future.
These developments come at a time of diplomatic rapprochement; Ethiopia and Somalia normalized relations via the December 2024 Ankara Declaration, followed by reciprocal state visits in January and February 2025—likely paving the way for greater cultural exchange, including film cooperation and co-presentations.
Experts say such screenings represent more than entertainment—they serve as bridges of cultural understanding, healing, and shared storytelling between neighboring nations that are strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties.