Astaan Media
Short Film · Project Dossier
Released 4 April 2025
Colour & Type Study
Aano
Qabiil
“Lama arag nin loo aaray oo iil kasoo baxay”
Written & Directed
Abdisiyaad Abdullahi Mohamed
Producer
Sayid Hussein
Online Views
636,000
A story about the human cost of revenge
Aano Qabiil is a short film directed and produced by Abdisiyaad Abdullahi Mohamed, a young filmmaker associated with Astaan TV. The film explores the destructive cycle of clan-based revenge and bloodshed, a subject deeply connected to the social realities experienced by many Somali communities.
The film was created from the perspective of a young filmmaker who grew up in a society where stories of people being killed in the name of seeking justice through revenge are frequently passed from one generation to another.
Through storytelling, Aano Qabiil seeks to encourage audiences to question the cycle of revenge and consider alternative paths based on justice, reconciliation, and the protection of human life.
Astaan's Production Work
Short films and documentary storytelling designed to communicate impactful narratives to Somali audiences.
1. Film Title
Aano
Qabiil
The title refers to the concept of clan revenge, a deeply sensitive issue in Somali society where cycles of retaliation can continue across generations.
Rather than presenting the issue simply as a conflict between individuals, the film focuses on the broader social consequences of revenge and the human cost associated with it.
2. Director & Filmmaker
Director
Abdisiyaad Abdullahi Mohamed
Affiliation
Astaan TV
Role
Young Filmmaker / Director
Abdisiyaad represents a new generation of Somali filmmakers using cinema as a tool to explore important social issues.
His work on Aano Qabiil demonstrates how young Somali creatives can use storytelling to address difficult subjects that affect communities and encourage public discussion.
The film is rooted in a reality where stories of revenge killings and clan conflict have become part of the social narratives passed through Somali communities.
The central question behind Aano Qabiil is not simply who is responsible for a particular act of violence, but rather:
What happens when revenge becomes a cycle?
When one act of violence leads to another, and another generation inherits the consequences of an earlier conflict, individuals and families who may have had no role in the original dispute can become victims.
The film therefore uses storytelling to encourage audiences to reflect on the consequences of continuing such cycles.
Publication Date
4 April 2025
Views Reached
636,000
This level of viewership demonstrates the strong interest among Somali audiences in locally produced stories addressing relevant social issues.
The film's reach also illustrates the ability of digital platforms to take Somali-produced films beyond their original broadcast audience and connect them with viewers across Somalia and internationally.
5. Community Screenings
An important part of the project's impact was taking the film beyond online distribution and bringing it directly to communities. Aano Qabiil was screened in several major Somali cities:
- 01Adado
- 02Dhusamareeb
- 03Mogadishu
- 04Baladweyne
- 05Baidoa
These screenings created opportunities for audiences to experience the film collectively and discuss the social issue it addresses.
The combination of online distribution and physical community screenings expanded the film's impact and allowed its message to reach different communities across Somalia.
6. Media Recognition
The film also attracted international media attention. The BBC Somali published a report related to the film and its message concerning revenge killings and clan conflict.
BBC Somali ArticleRead the BBC Somali report on Aano Qabiil
The coverage helped bring greater visibility to the film and the broader social issue it addresses.
7. Distribution Strategy
The project demonstrates a strong multi-platform approach to film distribution.
Digital Distribution
The film was published online, generating 636K views and enabling audiences beyond Somalia to access the story.
Television
The film was also part of Astaan TV’s short-film programming. Astaan describes its production services as including short films, documentaries, and other narrative productions.
Community Screenings
Physical screenings in five cities allowed the film to engage audiences directly.
Media Coverage
Coverage by BBC Somali further expanded awareness of the project and its social message.
Five ways the project landed
- Social Impact
- Aano Qabiil uses entertainment and storytelling to address a serious social issue. Rather than presenting the subject through a conventional awareness campaign, the film creates an emotional narrative that allows audiences to engage with the consequences of revenge.
- Youth & Filmmaking
- The project demonstrates the potential of young Somali filmmakers to produce stories that address national and community issues.
- Public Dialogue
- By screening the film in different cities, the project created opportunities for audiences to reflect on clan conflict, revenge, justice, and reconciliation.
- Digital Reach
- With approximately 636,000 views, the film demonstrated the potential for locally produced Somali short films to achieve substantial digital audiences.
- National Reach
- The screenings across Adado, Dhusamareeb, Mogadishu, Baladweyne, and Baidoa gave the project a geographic reach beyond a single city.
10. Overall Significance
Aano Qabiil is an example of how Somali filmmaking can go beyond entertainment and become a platform for social reflection and public dialogue.
Created by a young filmmaker, the film takes a difficult subject—the cycle of clan-based revenge—and presents it through a locally produced cinematic story. Its 636K online views, screenings across five Somali cities, and subsequent media attention demonstrate the potential of Somali filmmakers to create stories that resonate with audiences while contributing to important national conversations.
For Astaan TV, the project also reflects its broader role in supporting Somali storytelling and creating opportunities for young creative professionals. Astaan identifies storytelling as central to its mission and describes its production work as spanning documentaries, short films, and other impactful content.
“Aano Qabiil is ultimately a story about the human cost of revenge—and the need to break cycles that continue from one generation to the next.”