Guled and Nasra are a loving couple, living in the outskirts of Djibouti city with their teenage son, Mahad. However, they are facing difficult times: Nasra urgently needs an expensive surgery to treat a chronic kidney disease. Guled is already working hard as a gravedigger to make ends meet.

When men take up arms to go against their brothers, women have to take up gravediggers’ shovels. Ceebla (Fardouza Moussa Egueh, who we also saw in Gravedigger’s Wife), refuses to bargain for the cost of her labour. When her grave finally finds a taker, the revenue logic takes an unexpected twist. The Earth Has Ears is a civil war film without gunfire. It shows how the absurdity of war also turns everyday life at the home front irrational. / MSFF

Dhalinyaro tells the story of three 18-year-old high school girls, coming from different social classes, rooted in their culture but also turned to the outside thanks to the new technologies.

Barni, the debut feature by Mohammed Sheikh, tells the poignant story of a nine-year-old girl who disappears after a wedding celebration in a quaint Somali village. Her 18-year-old sister, Amina, along with friends Hirsi and Geedi, embark on a courageous journey to the city to find her. The film explores the strength of family bonds, solidarity in adversity and the resilience of children in challenging social contexts. Through authentic storytelling, natural performances and a strong visual style, the film aims to immerse audiences in a world not often seen on screen. Barni looks at daily life and the struggles faced by Somali communities. Its power lies in transforming a tragic disappearance into a celebration of courage, loyalty and humanity.