Mother Mother

A no-nonsense mom, Qalifo (Maan), tries to protect her son by keeping him close and busy with the daily chores of camel-herding. Maan gives a gritty and touching performance that could win awards (in my opinion). The screenplay and directorial debut of K'naan show an intelligent authentic voice not seen before (at least by the author) in previous Somali films. The cinematography is beautiful and true to the landscape found in the Somali camel-herding regions. The co-stars and supporting cast are wonderful. The theme of the story covers universal human emotions: a mother's love, a young man's romantic love and dreams, justice and punishment, revenge and forgiveness. "Mother Mother" opens a window to the world of the Somali pastoralists and the challenges they face when dealing with the westernized Somali diaspora.