British-Somali Short Film ‘Muna’ Explores Grief and Cultural Identity

Director Warda Mohamed and actress Kosar Ali collaborated on “Muna,” an 18-minute short film now available on BBC iPlayer, depicting a British-Somali teenager’s journey through grief and familial bonds. The project began unexpectedly when Mohamed’s social media post about completing her script caught the attention of a BBC Film commissioner. Ali, known for her BAFTA-nominated role in “Rocks,” was drawn to the film’s authentic portrayal of Somali narratives, which are seldom represented in cinema. The production faced challenges, including sourcing Somali actors, leading to street casting and leveraging personal networks. Both Mohamed and Ali aimed to challenge stereotypes and present the richness of British-Somali life, offering a narrative that resonates with universal themes of loss and identity. 

Source: The Guardian