Khadar Ahmed’s debut feature film The Gravedigger’s Wife along with Juho Kuosmanen’s Grand Prix winning Compartment no. 6 are screened at the BFI London Film Festival. 

Khadar Ahmed is pleased with the warm welcome his film has received. For many people with a Somali background in Finland, this is the first movie in their native language. In Ahmed’s own words:

“This was the first time that my mother didn’t have to read subtitles in the movie theatre.” 

What does the film festival success feel like, especially considering this is your debut feature? 

“The success feels really good, especially since my debut feature has been a long time coming. It’s been received very well.”

How can Finnish film production become more diverse? 

“One way of adding more diversity to Finnish film production is through the production companies leaving their comfort zones by giving opportunities to people who look different, both in front of the camera and behind it, and trust these people will do just as good a job as someone with an ethnic Finnish background”. 

Both The Gravedigger’s Wife and Compartment No. 6 at BFI London festival, Strand programme, Love collection. 

Screening times for The Gravedigger’s Wife: 15 and 16 October. Both screenings are sold out. More information about the film here.

Screening times for Compartment No. 6: 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th October. Tickets for the 16th October screening are still available  More information about the film here.

Picture credit: Mari Mur, Rakkautta & Anarkiaa.

Text: Matilda Lindblom