Somalia has hosted its first public film screening in 30 years under heavy security – raising hopes of a cultural revival in the turbulent country.
This took place in the capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday at the National Theatre, which was used as a military base during the civil war, when cinema-going ceased.
Filmgoers enjoyed two short movies by the Somali director Ibrahim CM, with tickets going for $10 (£7) each.
Built in 1967, the theatre was seen as an important driver for Somalia’s cultural development in the 1970s and 80s.
It was closed in 1991, at the onset of the civil war, and was used as a base for warlords fighting over the city. It fell into disrepair as a result.
It then reopened in 2012 after repair by the African Union Mission in Somalia only to be blown up immediately by al-Shabab Islamist militants, who considered live entertainment and films to be morally corrupt.
It was formally reopened last year in a ceremony attended by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo – after being refurbished by government workers with funds donated by the public, businesses and other partnerstools
