‘The Village Next to Paradise’ review: A promising debut wonders how we can find meaning in a world of brutality

Cannes: In his first feature film, Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe explores the impact of war on life and death with depth and rawness. The film challenges the stereotypical Western view of Africa, shedding light on the intimate lives of a makeshift family in Somalia. Even in the face of struggles, they treat each other with dignity. Set in a remote village by the stunning Indian Ocean, the story follows the bond between a grave-digger, Mamargade, and his son, Cigaal. Their interactions with a young divorcee, Araweelo,…