Halima Becomes First Finnish Feature Directed by Black Woman

Finnish-Somali director Naima Mohamud has seen her debut feature, “Halima,” named Best Fiction Project at the Finnish Film Affair. According to Variety, the film, which is currently in post-production, is recognized as the first Finnish feature film directed by a Black woman.

The production is being brought together by It’s Alive Films, No-Office Films, and Vico Films. The story is set in 1998 and follows Halima, a 10-year-old Somali girl navigating life in Finland. She is described as an imaginative outsider who is obsessed with pop culture icons like Leonardo DiCaprio and the band Aqua, while simultaneously feeling misunderstood by her family and bullied by peers.

Mohamud has highlighted the cultural gap the film aims to address. In a statement to Variety, she noted that despite Somalis living in Finland for over 35 years, many Finns still lack understanding of the community’s culture and domestic dynamics. She stated her goal is to help Finnish audiences, such as those with Somali neighbors, gain a better glimpse into their lives.

The director also emphasized the importance of capturing a child’s perspective. Mohamud described Halima’s journey through the eyes of a young person who believes in the possibility of her dreams, such as becoming a pop star, even when facing skepticism from her mother and other children. This approach reflects Mohamud’s own early determination to become a filmmaker, a path she began considering at age 14.

As the film moves forward, industry observers will watch for its performance at subsequent festivals and the potential for international distribution. The recognition at the Finnish Film Affair marks a significant milestone for the production and signals growing interest in diverse narratives within the Finnish film industry.