BARNI
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In a Somali village, the joy of a wedding comes to a sudden end with the disappearance of nine-year-old Saharla. While the search in the village proves fruitless, her sister Amina leads her friends Hirsi and Geedi to follow the only clue they have—toward the nearby town, in hopes of finding her. BARNI follows these characters as they are thrust into an urban world that is both fascinating and hostile. In his first feature film, Mohammed Sheikh tells a story of perseverance and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
BARNI Direction: Mohammed Sheikh, DCP, OmeU, 90 min
Guest
Mohammed Sheikh is a self-taught Somali filmmaker whose work is rooted in oral tradition, customary law, and lived experience within Somali communities. He is committed to telling intimate, character-driven stories that reflect the social structures, moral tensions, and unspoken codes that shape everyday life. His debut feature film, BARNI (2025), premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Mohammed picked up the camera to find solace. His films tell stories of people searching for belonging and identity, while also reflecting his own personal journey.