A “historic” night in Somalia..the first movie show in 30 years
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Yesterday evening, Wednesday, Mogadishu residents managed to dive again into the world of seventh art thanks to the city's first movie show in thirty years, in a cultural event held under strict security measures in the troubled Somali capital.
Built as a gift from Chinese leader Mao Zedong in 1967, the history of Somalia's National Theater bears witness to decades of turmoil in the Horn of Africa country.
The theater director, Abdul Qadir Abdi Yusuf, had previously confirmed that this event would constitute a "historic night for all Somalis," noting that the Somali National Theater seeks to be a space for expression for local artists.
On the occasion, two Somali works were shown for the first time, two short films by director Ibrahim CM entitled "Obsession" and "Diet from Hell".
The ticket price for this show was ten dollars, which is a high price for many Mogadishu residents.
The attendees were searched at several points before reaching the theater, which is located in a heavily guarded area of the city, which includes, in particular, the presidential palace and the parliament seat.
Several sources contacted by Agence France-Presse reported that the parade took place without any security incidents.
Mogadishu used to have many cinemas during its golden age, but these locations all closed their doors with the outbreak of the civil war in 1991.
The Somali National Theater reopened its doors in 2012 after years of neglect, but was destroyed two weeks later by al-Shabab fighters, which are linked to the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, and who constantly launch attacks in the Somali capital.
After careful restoration work, the reopening of the theater brings back many memories of more blissful days in the city.
"In the good old days, I used to come to see concerts, dramatic plays, pop music shows, folk dances and films at the National Theatre, and it saddens me to see Mogadishu without the nightlife that it once abounded," said Othman Youssef Othman, who is fond of cinema.
"People would go out at night and stay until late hours if they wanted to," said Hakimo Muhammad, a mother of six who was one of the pioneers.
But I don't think it's very safe now.”
Al-Shabaab fighters were driven out of Mogadishu ten years ago, but they still control large rural areas.
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Mogadishu,
First movie show in Mogadishu