Ibrahim Mohamud, also known as IBrahim CM, 31, is one of the most prominent figures in Somali cinema today. Born in Merca, Somalia, Ibrahim is a director and producer whose short film Kumaa Tahay won the Oscar of African Creativity in 2019. Since then, he has directed Alia (2020), Hoos (2021), and Date From Hell (2021). The latter two marked a historic moment, as they were publicly screened at Somalia’s National Theatre (SNT) for the first time in 30 years. Theatre director Abdikadir Abdi Yusuf described the night as “historic”. “It shows how hopes have been revived… after so many years of challenges,” Yusuf told AFP news agency. “It’s a platform that provides an opportunity to… Somali songwriters, storytellers, movie directors and actors to present their talent openly,” he added.
IBrahim CM told Geeska that it felt like a “full-circle moment for Somali culture” to have his short films premiere at the opening of the SNT, 30 years after its closure. “It wasn’t just about the films—it was about reclaiming a space for Somali art and storytelling,” he said.
He is currently based in Cairo, Egypt.
Mohamed Mohamud: You’ve had an impressive career as a filmmaker. Let’s start with your roots. You were born in Merca, Somalia. How did that shape your perspective as a storyteller?
Ibrahim Abdurrahman Mohamud: Merca is a city rich in history and culture, and growing up in Somalia gave me a strong connection to my Somali heritage. It’s a place where you hear stories everywhere—whether in the market or during family gatherings. That tradition of storytelling definitely influenced me. Even though I’ve spent many years away from Somalia, those roots remain a central part of my work.
MM: You have lived in Cairo for over a decade. What brought you there, and how has it influenced your career?
IAM: I initially went to Cairo to study Language and Translation. At the time, I had no idea which field I wanted to pursue. However, while living there, I discovered my passion for photography—it began as a hobby and gradually turned into something more serious during my university years. After graduating, I focused on teaching myself photography, and that eventually led me to filmmaking. Cairo was where my ambition truly grew, as I was exposed to numerous creative opportunities and diverse communities.
A behind-the-scenes photo of IBrahim CM and his team filming. Credit: Instagram/@ibraahimcm
MM: What was your experience like with the Somali community in Cairo?
IAM: Cairo is a hub that brings together Somalis from all walks of life. Many are students from the diaspora studying medicine or Islamic subjects, while others are in transit to other destinations. Being in such a dynamic environment gave me the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Those interactions shaped my understanding of the Somali diaspora experience, which I now reflect in my films.
MM: Your first professional short film is called Kumaa Tahay and received the Oscar of African Creativity in 2019. What inspired the idea behind it?
IAM: Kumaa Tahay stemmed from a desire to tell a personal story that also resonates universally. It’s a film about identity and self-discovery, themes that are very close to me and to many others in the Somali community. Winning the award was surreal; it showed me the potential of Somali cinema to make an impact not just locally but globally.
MM: You went on to direct and produce Alia, Hoos, and Date From Hell. The latter two had historic premieres at the Somali National Theatre. What was it like to be part of that moment?
IAM: It was incredibly emotional. The Somali National Theatre had been closed for 30 years, and having my films as part of its reopening felt like a full-circle moment for Somali culture. It wasn’t just about the films—it was about reclaiming a space for Somali art and storytelling.
MM: You founded Sultan Films to produce visual content, films, and podcasts. What motivated you to start the company?
IAM: Sultan Films was born out of a need to tell our own stories. For too long, Somali narratives have been shaped by outsiders, often focusing on negative stereotypes. I wanted to create a platform where Somalis could represent themselves in a positive light and showcase the richness of our culture.
MM: Sultan Films also develops podcasts such as Goray Podcast and AS Podcast. Why did you decide to branch out into podcasting?
IAM: Podcasting is an incredible medium for dialogue and storytelling. The most popular podcasts among Somalis are Goray Podcast, run by Goray Dahir, and AS Podcast, run by Dr Mohamed Sirka and Dr Adnan Abdullah. These podcasts bring important conversations to the forefront, whether they are about health, culture, or identity. They align perfectly with Sultan Films’ mission of creating meaningful content for the community.
MM: Finally, what do you see as the future of Somali cinema and storytelling?
IAM: I think Somali cinema is entering an exciting new phase. There is a growing appetite for authentic stories, both within Somalia and in the diaspora. My hope is that we continue to build an industry that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. It’s about reclaiming our narrative and sharing it with the world.