The outbreak of the civil war in 1991 did not just kill people; it killed memory. The Somali Film Agency building was looted and burned. Rare master copies of the 1970s and 80s films were melted down for scrap metal or destroyed by militants who considered moving images haram (forbidden).

in Mogadishu officially reopened for public screenings in late 2021 with the short films Date from Hell Key 2026 Releases The Flames of Tradition

Somali filmography is a growing and vibrant field that showcases the country's rich culture and resilience. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, Somali filmmakers continue to produce innovative and thought-provoking films that explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more Somali films and music videos gain international recognition and acclaim.

Somali filmography is the story of a people archiving themselves against extinction. The beautiful, high-reel films of the 1980s are gone forever, but the spirit is not. Today, a teenager in a refugee camp with a broken Huawei phone can film a sketch that makes a million people laugh from Stockholm to Sydney. That is the new Somali cinema—decentralized, resilient, and always on.