Somalia Concludes Filmmaking Programme to Strengthen Creative Industry

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has concluded a two-week filmmaking training programme aimed at strengthening the country’s emerging creative industry, as the government and international partners seek to develop local talent and expand opportunities in the cultural sector.

The programme, which ended on Saturday, brought together Somali filmmakers from within the country and the United States for practical training designed to improve filmmaking skills and encourage greater collaboration among Somali creatives at home and in the diaspora.

The initiative was jointly organised by the Department of African Studies at the University of Minneapolis, the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI), the Somali Film Institute and the Qalanjo Association of Minneapolis. It was coordinated by Professor Abdulkadir Ahmed Buffalo, founder of the Somali Film Institute, in collaboration with Somalia’s Ministry of Information and the Somali Film Agency.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Abdulfatax Qasim Mahmoud said developing the film industry was an important part of preserving Somalia’s cultural heritage while creating new economic opportunities for young people. He encouraged participants to apply the skills acquired during the training to produce films that reflect the country’s history, culture and contemporary experiences.

The programme comes as Somalia’s creative sector has shown signs of revival after decades of disruption caused by conflict. In recent years, filmmakers, artists and cultural organisations have increasingly sought to rebuild the industry through training, international partnerships and film festivals, with growing participation from the Somali diaspora.

Supporters of the initiative say investing in filmmaking could help create employment for young people, preserve Somali storytelling traditions and increase the country’s cultural presence internationally. The involvement of institutions from both Somalia and the United States also highlights the expanding role of the Somali diaspora in supporting the development of the country’s creative economy.

The organisers said they hope the programme will lay the foundation for further collaboration and contribute to the long-term growth of Somalia’s film industry, which remains in its early stages of redevelopment.