The gravediggers of Djibouti

How did you come up with the story of "The Gravedigger's Wife"?

Khadar Ahmed: Through a conversation with my brother. We were at a family funeral together. My brother then asked me if I knew how long it takes in Somalia for someone to be buried after they have died. I had no idea because I emigrated to Finland when I was 16 - it can take a good two weeks there. He told me that in Somalia it's only a few hours. There's always a group of gravediggers outside the hospital, just waiting for someone to die. Then I remembered these people in front of the hospitals - I had seen them many times before but hadn't paid them any attention. The story of the film slowly developed from that conversation. That was in the summer of 2011, when I started working on the script on my own and also wanted to direct the film, as it would be difficult for someone else to understand what it's like in Somalia. However, as I had no experience as a Director at the time, I put the script aside at some point. I didn't want to make it into a film until I was a bit more experienced. So after 2011, I largely devoted myself to other projects.

Then the script was selected for the Cannes Cinefondation Residence in 2015 and you resumed work?

Khadar Ahmed: Exactly, I thought it was time to continue working on the book. So I sent it in and was selected. The work took place in a huge building in Paris, almost a palace. They invited six young Directors from different countries to come and work on their first or second feature film. You get paid every month and also have an annual cinema pass. And if you want, you get feedback on your work. Another advantage: if you are in the programme, it is much easier to get funding for your project.

What is the biggest difference for you between working on a short film and a feature-length film?

Khadar Ahmed: The only difference for me was actually the time. (laughs) I worked on "The Gravedigger's Wife" with the same team that I've worked with on most of my short film projects before. So it hardly felt any different. And despite everything, we had a tight schedule with just 21 days of shooting. We only shot with non-professional actors from Djibouti, where the film was made. That was a bit crazy because there was hardly any time for several takes in case something didn't work out. It was a real challenge.

How did the casting for the amateur actors go?

Khadar Ahmed: On the street in Djibouti, I basically ran after everyone I found interesting and asked if they wanted to take part in my film. Most of the people had never been in front of a camera before. Many of them didn't even turn up to the set on the agreed day, so we decided to pick them up at home about three hours beforehand.

What was it like filming in Djibouti?

Khadar Ahmed: We were prepared for the worst - but it went really well. Of course, we always had a large team of twelve security guards around us, as you really stand out with a film crew. However, we specifically chose Djibouti because it is much less safe in neighbouring Somalia.

The film was edited in Hamburg - how did the work go?

Khadar Ahmed: It can be quite a challenge to work with an editor you haven't worked with before on any other project. In this case, however, I was very lucky to be able to work with Sébastien Thümler. He contributed a lot of creative input to the film. Without him, the whole film would have been different. I really couldn't have wished for a better editor - I hope we will continue to work together in the future.

What look did you give the film at The Post Republic in Hamburg?

Khadar Ahmed: We tried out different things when grading the film, which was a really exciting process. But as it is essentially a poetic love story, the film should also be kept in warm colours.

Is there a common thread that runs through your films?

Khadar Ahmed: I always write about characters that I know, that I'm close to. It's important to me that I always have people of colour in the leading roles in my films to show their stories on the big screen.

What was it like when you found out that your film would be one of seven films at the International Critics' Week in Cannes 2021?

Khadar Ahmed: I thought it was a joke at first, as I got the news at the beginning of April. But even after that, it took me a long time to realise it. I taught myself everything I know, I never went to film school. And now to be in Cannes with my first feature-length film as a Director is really great.

And what happens now?

Khadar Ahmed: II'm currently working on a new script - but I can't reveal anything yet. However, "The Grave Digger's Wife" made me realise that I want to film my scripts myself in the future. I'm closest to the story and the characters, I know the reality of their lives. I don't want to let that out of my hands in future.