Fankeenna Film Fest

27/12/2025

We were honored to have Ahmed Farah .farah_r host a workshop for our filmmaking club at Fankeenna Film Fest! A huge thank you to Ahmed for his time and for sharing his invaluable expertise with the next generation of creators.

Ahmed Farah is a Somali filmmaker and founder of Riyo Films, best known for directing the landmark series Arday and the feature film Ayaanle. By leveraging his background as a news cameraman for outlets like Al Jazeera, Farah often serves as his own cinematographer to capture authentic, contemporary Somali stories. His work is celebrated for challenging regional stereotypes and establishing a high-quality visual language for cinema filmed directly on the streets of Mogadishu

27/12/2025

A conversation with Abdirahman Yusuf Artan hosted by Khalid Samaale , Abdirahman is a playwright and filmmaker.

A conversation with Abriahman Yusuf Artan hosted by Khalid Samaale, Abdirahman is a playwright and filmmaker.

15/10/2025

We were honoured to host award-winning filmmaker Idil Ibrahim , who joined us virtually waking up early in the morning from California, to share her wisdom and experience with the Filmmaking Club.

Idil spoke about her journey across global cinema, shared her creative process, and reminded the young filmmakers of the power of storytelling encouraging them to always tell stories in their own communities.

Thank you, Idil, for your warmth, generosity, and inspiration to the next generation of Somali storytellers.

14/10/2025

A conversation with Abdikadir Saahil and Maxamed D. Ciise .ciise , now available on our youtube channel.

Co-founders of , the only Somali-language cinema magazine. Abdikadir Sahil is a screenwriter, literary and film critic, best known for the acclaimed miniseries Cilaaj (2025). Maxamed D. Ciise is a writer and film critic whose essays in Geeska explore the cultural and historical dimensions of Somali cinema. Together, they reflect on authenticity, language, and the evolving landscape of Somali film. Hosted by Moustafa Ahmed .ahmadd .

In conversation with Abdikadir Sahil and Maxamed D. Ciise, two leading voices in contemporary Somali storytelling and co-founders of Shineemo Banaadir, the o...

10/10/2025

Photos from screenings at Fankeenna film fest
1. The martyr .ahmed
2. Balwo @
3. Çetin's Ordinary Story
4. A Beautiful Excuse For A Deadly Sin
5. The Earth has ears

10/10/2025

We thank Muna Ahmed for leading an inspiring and engaging workshop during the festival for our Filmmaking Club members.
Muna is an author and educator who has been conducting short story and creative writing workshops that nurture imagination and storytelling among young creatives.

04/10/2025

A conversation with Omar Abdi Nuh now available on our youtube channel.
https://youtu.be/cEq5kJg_P5E

Omar gained international acclaim for his unforgettable performance in The Gravedigger’s Wife, the first Somali-language film ever shown at Cannes. The film went on to win at TIFF, and Omar was honored with Best Actor at the 2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Hosted by .

Video by
Cover photo by

A conversation with Omar Abdi Nuh gained international acclaim for his unforgettable performance in The Gravedigger’s Wife, the first Somali-language film ev...

21/09/2025

Fankeenna film fest 2025 Red carpet photos. Photos by Khalid Djama and Grand visuals.

18/09/2025

In Hargeisa, the Fankeenna Filmfest transforms a courtyard into a nine-night celebration of cinema, bringing together creators and audiences to share stories

16/09/2025

From inspiring films to powerful conversations, audiences came together in to share stories, ideas, and moments of cinema.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this is just the beginning.
Photos by and

14/09/2025

Before the festival screenings began, our jury carefully watched and discussed the films submitted, guided by the theme of Human Rights. From this process, the winning short films of this year’s festival were selected:

🥇 1st Place – SIASAR (Right to Education)
🥈 2nd Place – ALAZAR (Right to a Better Life)
🥉 3rd Place – 1420 (Right to Freedom)

🏅 Special Jury Mention – Nothing Happens After That (Right to Dignity)

🗳️ Audience Choice Award – Born a Celebrity

These films reflect powerful human stories and bold visions of justice, freedom, and dignity.

We congratulate the filmmakers and thank our esteemed jury Abdulkadir Ahmed Said, Samia Osman, Kinsi Abdulle, and Noah Leanti for their thoughtful work.

👏 And to our audience: thank you for joining us on this journey of cinema, dialogue, and change.

12/09/2025

Join us for the final night of the Fankeenna Film Fest 2025 – enjoy the winning short films and more, and live music by AbdiSamad .