As someone who grew up in the ’90s, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement when I hear that Naima Mohamud’s upcoming film “Halima” is set in that era. The ’90s were a wild time, full of vibrant fashion, iconic music, and unforgettable pop culture moments. I remember trying to dye my hair like Lene Nystrøm from Aqua and ending up with disappointing results, just like Halima will likely experience in the film.
The 1990s are making a comeback – this is true for Naima Mohamud’s upcoming film “Halima,” which is being produced by It’s Alive Films from Finland, the same company behind the Oscar-nominated “Euthanizer,” and No-Office Films.
The director reminisced fondly about the past, longing for the days of wild hairstyles and trendy outfits, specifically boybands, Tamagotchis, and popper pants. He couldn’t help but feel a strong nostalgia for that era and the music of Aqua, his favorite ’90s pop band, which he considered second to none, even surpassing “Barbie Girl.”
As a passionate cinema goer, I once attempted an at-home hair transformation, inspired by a beloved actress’s iconic hairstyle. Armed with scissors and food coloring, I embarked on this DIY adventure. Alas, the results were far from satisfactory, and the ensuing months were filled with regret. I was met with disapproval for my hasty use of food coloring, which my mother required to prepare a cherished Somali dessert named “halwa.”
In Mohamud’s upcoming “down-to-earth dramedy,” based on personal experiences, about overcoming loneliness, childhood, and fears, Halima will have her own heartwarming and comically challenging experiences when the production begins in 2025.
A ten-year-old girl from Somalia has a passion for dancing, listening to popular tunes, and is a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. However, due to her family’s frequent relocations, now in Finland, she finds it challenging to form friendships. That is until she encounters a new classmate named Erika.
“Growing up as a Muslim and African boy in a typically snowy Finnish rural community was not without challenges – we were a conspicuous sight, much like a group of lions standing out in a parking lot,” Mohamud reminisced.
The movie will additionally explore more profound experiences in Halima’s family, including feelings of solitude, upheaval, and potential confrontations with local hate groups. Yet, the narrative will always be told from Halima’s perspective.
As a fan, I’d rephrase it as follows: “Ten-year-olds don’t usually ponder over complex issues like racism and hardships in the same depth as grownups. That’s why the script needed to stay positive. The blend of everyday humor and enjoyable situations with deeper themes sets ‘Halima’ apart as a film that’s both unique and filled with hope.”
“I admit, I’ve got a childlike spirit inside me! This role search isn’t easy though, as I need an outgoing Finnish-speaking Somali kid who can effectively portray an introvert. But don’t worry, with determination comes solutions, so we’ll find her.”
Hope – and especially humor – will be a big part of the film.
She confessed that she preferred tales which rekindle our belief in the beauty of life and human nature. When she was nine years old, instead of watching “Anastasia” as she had told her parents, she went to see “Titanic” instead.
Despite the sadness of “Titanic’s” tale, I’ve always been drawn to how Rose, portrayed by Kate Winslet, managed to experience a lovely and gratifying existence despite having witnessed terrible events. Growing up amidst the turmoil of war, this hopeful angle of the film resonated strongly with me.
Mohamud has a deep affection for ’90s films such as “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “As Good as It Gets,” and Roberto Benigni’s “Life Is Beautiful” (a bittersweet comedy from the World War II era, as described by EbMaster in 1998).
She spoke thoughtfully about her deep affection for those classic films, referring to them as “Halima.” Her ideal goal was to combine this nostalgia with contemporary elements and reimagine a remake of a beloved movie, such as “The Parent Trap,” while considering the possibilities of the future.
With financing from the Finnish Film Foundation, the film “Halima” is being created by producers Anita Hyppönen, Jani Pösö, and Hannu Aukia. In August, they will participate in Locarno’s networking event Match Me!
Mohamud expressed his deep gratitude for having exceptional producers working with him on this project. Finnish filmmaker Hannu Aukia from No Office is a gifted artist whom Mohamud collaborated with initially. Hannu then introduced Jani Pösö and Anita Hyppönen from It’s Alive Films to the team. These individuals possess remarkable talents in creating distinctive films and television shows, and they are not only brilliant professionals but also genuinely kind people within the industry.
I had the pleasure of working with It’s Alive Films on their Oscar submission projects, such as “Euthanizer,” “The Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic,” and “Snot and Splash – The Mystery of Disappearing Holes.” These films were a huge success at Locarno Festival last year. On the other hand, I collaborated with No-Office Films for the premiere of “Sound of Violence” at the 2021 SXSW event.
I’ve learned firsthand that creating a film is an intricate and laborious journey. What truly matters, though, is discovering talented individuals who not only excel at their craft but also resonate with me personally and share my creative vision. Additionally, I can’t ignore the unique challenges that come with being part of the Finnish film industry.
In Finland, there are only a few institutions offering film studies, with Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture being the primary one. Last year, they accepted merely two applicants out of 138 for their film directing program. Gaining entry to a Finnish film school is more challenging than securing a spot at Harvard.
“She remarked, ‘There’s a large pool of gifted young individuals who might not get their chance to shine due to lack of access to these establishments. This applies to many people of color as well. It’s important to remember that only about 0.8% of Finland’s population had foreign backgrounds three decades ago, but now that number has risen to 8%. Change is definitely happening and will continue to do so.'”
In a Finland with greater cultural diversity, we find a nation and sector ready to share distinctive narratives that resonate with broad audiences around the world.
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2024-07-22 14:47