From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Somaliwood is an informal name for the Somali-language film industry that has developed in the diaspora community of Columbus, Ohio, centered around the Olol Films production company. [1],[2],[3] Following the model of Bollywood, the name is a portmanteau of the words Somali and Hollywood, the center of the American film industry. As a result of the diaspora following the country’s civil war, Columbus has become home to an estimated 45,000 Somalis. [4] The city is also home to a Somali newspaper and radio show[5]
| “ |
Columbus is like the Hollywood of Somalia now because the biggest production studio is here... |
” |
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—Abdisalam Aato, [1]
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Movies to come out of Somaliwood include the thriller Xaaskayga Araweelo, Rajo, the first feature-length Somali-language movie, and Warmooge, the first Somali animated film. [6] Important figures in Columbus Somali filmmaking include director Abdisalam Aato, and local Somali actress Fathiya Saleban. [7]
[edit] See also
[edit] External Links
[edit] References
- ^ "Director provides information about people of Somalia", The Columbus Dispatch, 2007-10-12. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
- ^ "Somalis Try to Eradicate “Bad Habit” from Africa", The Columbus Dispatch, 2006-11-27. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
- ^ Olol promo material. Olol Films. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
- ^ "Somalis Try to Eradicate “Bad Habit” from Africa", The Columbus Dispatch, 2006-11-27. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
- ^ "Despite initial lack of encouragement, she now runs radio show, newspaper", The Columbus Dispatch, 2007-12-07. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
- ^ "Somaliwood: Columbus Has Become A Haven for Somali Filmmaking", The Other Paper, 2007-04-19. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
- ^ "Somaliwood: Columbus Has Become A Haven for Somali Filmmaking", The Other Paper, 2007-04-19. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
