Last night, a film was screened in Hargeisa, a Somaliland-style film called “Unrecognized,” produced by journalist Abdirisaq Terra and directed by filmmaker Hussein Boon. The film, which was only accessible to the upper class, was sold for between $150 and $250.
Terra, who provided details about the content of the program he produced, told Astaan Cable that it covers Somaliland’s ancient and modern history, geography, archaeology, culture, and where it stands 34 years after the collapse of the Somali Republic.
“I believe that this program can play an important role in Somaliland’s quest for recognition. It also goes without saying that if they have achieved this much without recognition, how much more could they have achieved if they had been recognized,” said Terra.
The film, which has attracted public attention since its premiere, said that after being screened in Hargeisa, it will also be screened in Berbera, Borama, the Ethiopian city of Jigjiga, some Gulf countries, the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, and all European countries, adding that it will be screened in 33 cities around the world.
Since the announcement of the film’s release date, there has been a debate in the community about the price of tickets, with the first-run tickets being sold for $250, while the second-run tickets were sold for $150—which Terra said was affordable only for the upper class.
He said the reason for the price hike was that they wanted the community to know the value of art, and that they planned to establish a company that would produce quality films and sell their products to the public, noting that their goal was to familiarize themselves with Somali society and films made by Somalis.
The film, which was seen last night by many wealthy members of society, was strongly opposed by some who were critical of the filmmaker, arguing that he had long been a proponent of the “Great Somali” cause, which he had recently abandoned.
They argue that he is not qualified to speak about the progress and the quest for recognition in Somaliland, citing statements he has previously made about Somaliland, which have been discussed on social media in recent days, especially a statement he made years ago in a debate that Somaliland is a “project pushed by the Ethiopians” and did not come from the will of the people.
Now, Terra, who said that he has changed his mind, once said while promoting his new film: “There is no doubt, Somaliland came from the will of the people, these are the words I said, so it is the will of the people.”
Also, in a speech he gave last night at the Serene Sarovar Hotel where the film was being screened, he said that he asks for forgiveness from the people of Somaliland, pointing out that human opinions can sometimes change, and that he has changed his mind from his previous view and is now working on the recognition of Somaliland.
Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi (Khadar Looge), who was among those who went to watch the film, said that Terra requested a pardon from President Cirro and was thus allowed to return to Somaliland.
“When the new government came, Abdirisaq Terra was one of the first people to ask for forgiveness,” said Minister Looge, adding that a person can be forgiven if he truly changes his mind.
The film’s director, Hussein Boon, said that their film focuses on culture, people’s lives, and everything interesting that was filmed from Lawyacaddo to Lasqoray, noting that they focused on presenting interesting things that most of the community does not know.
