90s nostalgia and Somali culture collide in Naima Mohamud's new film "Halima"

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Monday July 22, 2024

Filmmaker Naima Mohamud in Helsinki on Monday, February 10, 2014. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva

HELSINKI, Finland (HOL) — The vibrant era of the '90s, filled with boybands and Tamagotchis, is set to be brought to life in Naima Mohamud's upcoming film "Halima." Produced by Finland's It's Alive Films and No-Office Films, "Halima" will explore the unique experiences of a young Somali girl navigating life in a predominantly white Finnish town.

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Set for a 2025 shoot, the film is a partly autobiographical dramedy focusing on 10-year-old Halima, who loves dancing and pop music. Her constant moves with her family make it difficult to form lasting friendships until she meets Erika, a new classmate. "Growing up Muslim and African in a literally winter-white Finnish small town wasn't easy – we stuck out like a pride of lions in a parking lot," Mohamud reminisced.

While "Halima" promises humour and heartwarming moments, it does not shy away from heavier themes such as loneliness and displacement. The story remains anchored in Halima's perspective, maintaining an optimistic tone. "Most 10-year-olds don't think about racism or difficult situations the same way adults do. It was important for the script to stay hopeful," said Mohamud.

Casting for Halima is crucial, as Mohamud seeks an extroverted Finnish-speaking Somali child to play the introverted lead. "It's a challenging casting, but I believe we will find her because where there is a will, there is always a way," she added.

Supported by the Finnish Film Foundation, "Halima" is produced by Anita Hyppönen, Jani Pösö, and Hannu Aukia. "I feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing producers helping me. They all make unique films and TV shows and are some of the best human beings in the business," said Mohamud.

The production houses behind "Halima" have a strong track record, with It's Alive Films producing the Oscar-submitted "Euthanizer" and No-Office Films handling the SXSW-premiered "Sound of Violence."

Mohamud also addressed challenges in the Finnish film industry, noting the limited opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, especially people of colour. "There are only a few film schools in Finland, and it's harder to get into them than Harvard. But with Finland's increasing cultural diversity, the industry is poised to tell unique stories with universal themes," she observed.

Moumud believes that "Halima" is more than just a film; it's a love letter to '90s classics like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Life Is Beautiful." Her passion for storytelling shines through, promising a film that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

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