Sabrina Elba Cast in Lula Ali Ismaïl’s Film Adaptation of “The Youth of God” Titled “Nuur”
In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a piece of exciting news has recently emerged. Somali-Canadian actress Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a name already illuminated by its silver-screen glow, steps into a new frontier. She’s set to star in “Nuur,” an eagerly anticipated feature film. Helming this cinematic voyage is Lula Ali Ismaïl, a brilliant director with roots as diverse as her narrative threads, merging Canadian and Djiboutian influences. Her oeuvre is punctuated by the groundbreaking film “Dhalinyaro,” a tale that resonated deeply across borders. This time, she collaborates with Scythia Films and Good Question Media to bring the vibrant pages of Hassan Ghedi Santur’s acclaimed novel, “The Youth of God,” to life.
So, who will Sabrina personify in this story of courage and transformation? She will breathe life into Haawo, a resilient Somali mother navigating the complexities of single parenthood within Toronto’s tightly knit Somali community. Joining her on this odyssey are actors like Omar Abdi, celebrated for “The Gravedigger’s Wife,” and Hamza Fouad, who won hearts in “Riverdale.”
The narrative carries us into the world of a 17-year-old boy, who stands at a crossroads of faith, education, and self-discovery. Who hasn’t, at some point, stood at such a crossroads, pondering paths that diverge? His journey unfurls between contrasting mentors: a radical imam and a compassionate teacher, each pulling him toward worlds apart. When the young soul disappears, Haawo’s maternal instincts propel her into an emotional quest, traversing between memories of her past life and the tribulations of her new existence in Canada, a land as foreign as the North Star.
“I’m honoured to play Haawo in ‘Nuur,'” Sabrina shared in a statement that resonated with genuine warmth. “This role holds deep significance for me, and working with Lula Ali Ismaïl has been an incredible experience. Her vision and storytelling breathe life into this vital narrative.”
In the niche world of filmmakers, Lula Ali Ismaïl stands as a trailblazer. As Djibouti’s first female filmmaker, she’s a beacon for narratives on migration and identity. Her previous work, “Dhalinyaro,” dissected the kaleidoscope of class and youthful aspirations in Djibouti with an astute eye. Now, with “Nuur,” she aims to encapsulate the quintessential experience of seeking home—a feeling all too familiar to the Somali diaspora.
“The story is deeply personal,” Ismaïl remarked. “As someone who has lived the migrant experience, I yearn to portray the internal and external battles faced by those in search of a sanctuary in the unfamiliar vastness of a new world.”
Hassan Ghedi Santur, architect of the novel and screenwriter, is no stranger to themes of migration, radicalization, and the quest for belonging. His work, “The Youth of God,” garnered esteem and was longlisted for Canada Reads 2020. Through extensive research into the experiences of young Somali men in Canada, he’s crafted narratives that echo the alienation and radicalization faced by many, bringing a seldom-discussed reality into the literary limelight.
“I wanted to explore the forces that shape a young person’s worldview,” Santur explained in an engaging 2019 interview with the CBC. “It’s about the choices we make and how our environment influences our journey.”
The production of “Nuur” is orchestrated by an adept team: Daniel Bekerman, Chris Yurkovich, and Lara Saliba of Good Question Media, alongside the seasoned Scythia Films. The executive roster includes Jordan Hart, Michael Bronner, and Bhakti Shringarpure from Smashing Dandelions, all under the auspices of Telefilm Canada.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba, beyond her cinematic acclaim, champions worthy causes as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development, advocating tirelessly for rural women and girls, embodying the spirit of activism and artistry. Her representation by The Artists Partnership helps in shaping a career that’s equally dynamic and influential.
Scythia Films, lauded for titles like “Endless Cookie” and its role in executive producing “The Wedding Banquet,” remains faithful to supporting narratives that resonate with social significance. Filming for the evocative “Nuur” is slated to commence later this year, with anticipation building for its unveiling.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
