Somalia screens first film in 30 years, in theatre gifted by China’s Mao Zedong
- Built by Chinese engineers, the National Theatre was attacked by suicide bombers and used as a base by warlords, but has never shown a local movie – until now
- Mogadishu was home to many cinema halls during its cultural heyday, but the seaside capital fell silent after civil war erupted in 1991
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Somalia hosted its first screening of a movie in three decades under heavy security on Wednesday, as the conflict-ravaged country hopes for a cultural renewal.
Built by Chinese engineers as a gift from Mao Zedong in 1967, the National Theatre of Somalia’s history reflects the tumultuous journey of the Horn of Africa nation.
It has been targeted by suicide bombers and used as a base by warlords.
And it has never screened a Somali film. Until now.
“This is going to be a historic night for the Somali people, it shows how hopes have been revived … after so many years of challenges,” said theatre director Abdikadir Abdi Yusuf before the screening.
“It’s a platform that provides an opportunity to … Somali songwriters, storytellers, movie directors and actors to present their talent openly.”
The evening’s programme was two short films by Somali director Ibrahim CM – Hoos and Date from Hell – with tickets on sale for US$10 each, an expensive price for many.
According to sources contacted by AFP, the evening passed off without any security incidents.
Although Mogadishu was home to many cinema halls during its cultural heyday, with the national theatre also hosting live concerts and plays, the seaside capital fell silent after civil war erupted in 1991.
Warlords used the open-air theatre as a military base and the building fell into disrepair.
It then reopened in 2012, but was blown up by al-Shabab jihadists two weeks later. The al-Qaeda linked Islamist group launches regular attacks in Mogadishu and considers entertainment evil.
After a painstaking restoration, the authorities announced plans to hold the theatre’s first screening this week.
For many Somalis, it was a trip down memory lane and a reminder of happier times.
“I used to watch concerts, dramas, pop shows, folk dances and movies in the national theatre during the good old days. It makes me feel bad when I see Mogadishu lacking the nightlife it once had,” said Osman Yusuf Osman, a confessed film buff.
“But this is a good start … I will not miss this historic event tonight,” he said, adding that he had made arrangements to attend the screening with a friend.
Others were more circumspect, and worried about safety.
“I was a school-age girl when my friends and I used to watch live concerts and dramas at the national theatre,” said Hakimo Mohamed, a mother of six. “People used to go out during the night and stay back late if they wished – but now, I don’t think it is so safe.”
The jihadists were driven out of Mogadishu a decade ago, but retain control of swathes of countryside and continue to stage deadly attacks in the capital and elsewhere.
Attendees had to pass through several security checkpoints before arriving at the theatre, inside a heavily guarded complex that includes the presidential palace and the parliament.
But for some, the inconvenience and the risks paled in comparison to the anticipation of seeing a film in a cinema after such a long wait.
“I was not lucky to watch live concerts and or movies in the theatre (earlier) … because I was still a child, but I can imagine how beautiful it was,” NGO employee Abdullahi Adan said. “I want to experience this for the first time and see what it’s like to watch a movie with hundreds of people in a theatre.”
