Visiting Somalian-Finnish Filmmaker becomes the star at industry event

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Barbados Loop News
Thursday December 5, 2024

L—R: Director Alan Kavanaugh; President, BFTA, Jamal Slocombe; Kerri Birch; Naima Mohamud; Kirk Dawson and Penny Hynam.

Empowering Dreams: The Path to Film Production" set the stage for an unforgettable evening as film industry veterans and aspiring creators gathered for a special screening of FATIMA.

This powerful film by award-winning Somali-Finnish writer and director Naima Mohamud captivated the audience on Friday, November 29.

The screening, coupled with an industry mixer, was a vibrant celebration of 13 Degrees North Productions' 10th anniversary, hosted in partnership with the Barbados Film and Television Association.

FATIMA is Naima’s first short film about two nine-year-old girls, Fatima and Milla, who embark on a mission to stop the divorce of Fatima’s parents by seeking help from the world of romantic comedies. It won the main prizes at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and Germany’s Oberhausen Short Film Festival.

Guests had the unique opportunity to participate in a lively Q&A with the Director and delved into insights about the film industry from local, regional and international perspectives during the Industry Panel Talk, moderated by Kirk Dawson of 13 Degrees North Productions.

Visiting the island for inspiration and sun to write her feature film, Naima reached out to the National Cultural Foundation ahead of her trip, seeking to connect with key figures in the film industry. The NCF facilitated introductions, 13 Degrees North Productions took the initiative and conceptualised the special screening event, recognising it is an opportunity to foster meaningful exchanges with the industry players.

She explained:

"This unexpected event was the highlight of my trip! It was not what I was hoping for when I initially reached out. I loved learning about Barbados’ film industry and getting to know the creative people here. The Panel discussion raised several interesting points and highlighted the fact that no matter where you are in the world as a filmmaker, we all still face the same challenges. This is what I feel unites us."

"Although I am here to write my film, Barbados’ breathtaking beauty has made it difficult to focus on my work,” she added.

Kerri Birch, one half of the husband-and-wife team of 13 Degrees North Productions explained:

“When I received Naima’s message, I instantly knew she would be a great addition to our 10th year anniversary celebrations, as we share the same vision and values regarding the film industry. In our initial contact, she was keen to explain how we could foster a stronger collaboration between Barbados and Europe. This was excellent timing, as in a few weeks, Kirk and I are travelling to the largest film trade show in London for that exact reason.

She continued:

"It was also refreshing to see newcomers to the industry engaging in the industry discussions and raising valid questions to the panel about the overall film industry."

With a number of high-profile productions in their portfolio, most recently the highly anticipated reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, they continue to dominate the industry in the Caribbean, while paving the way for upcoming filmmakers.

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