The Village Next to Paradise

A gravedigger ekes out a living to support his family. Just as his fortunes look destined to change, he takes on a job that he might come to regret.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases.

Credits

  • Director-screenwriter

    Mo Harawe

  • With

    Ahmed Ali Farah, Anab Ahmed Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohamud Saleban

  • Austria-France-Germany-Somalia 2024. 133min

  • Courtesy of

    Totem Films

  • Language

    Somali

    With English subtitles

Introduction

Mamargrade uses funds diligently saved by his recently divorced sister to send his young son away from their picturesque coastal village to a boarding school in the city. He also becomes increasingly desperate to make good the wrongs of his circumstances, with potentially tragic consequences. The first Somali film to play in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, Mo Harawe’s drama is a tense, slow-burn character study.

Nadia Denton

Content warning

Contains distressing scenes.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to our BFI 25 & Under scheme for a chance to get £5 tickets to all screenings and events.

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases.

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