The Gravedigger’s Wife 12A

"A moving, sometimes quietly biting study of a medically and financially troubled family in crisis" – Variety

"★★★★ – gentle, funny drama of man and his sick spouse" – Guardian

"★★★★ – powerful Djiboutian fable about family bonds" – Observer

"an understated creation of flair and grace" – Sight & Sound

A triumph for Somali filmmaking, The Gravedigger’s Wife features an entirely Somalian cast, the story’s authenticity and grounding within its location elevates the highs and lows of this deeply moving film, a fight for survival filled with love and celebration of family.

On the outskirts of Djibouti, Guled (Abdi) works as a gravedigger to provide for his family. He works tirelessly, surrounded by the deceased as a cruel constant reminder of the reason he is doing this – to save his wife Nasra’s (Warsame) life. She has a worsening kidney infection that can be treated, if you have $5,000 to spare. Guled leaves his wife to be cared for by their son, as he searches for a way to raise these vital funds.

Our Wed 23 Nov, 7.30pm screening will include a poetry performance from Elmi Ali; a storyteller invested in the mediums of writing, directing, facilitating, translating, performance and education. Currently Elmi is working on No'Man, a long fiction work exploring masculinity and the nature of work in the 21st Century.

Somali with English subtitles.