Dhalinyaro (Youth) is a coming of age movie beautifully rendered. The movie follows three best friends, Asma, Hibo and Deka from differing backgrounds as they complete high school and face their life choices in the wait for their high school results.
Shot in Djibouti, writer and director Lula Ali Ismaïl was keen to show a side of the city that is rarely seen. Viewers are taken into a vibrant and if you are African, familiar buzz of a busy city.
The actresses ( Amina Mohamed Ali, Tousmos Mouhamud Mohamed and Bilan Samir Moubus) all embody their characters in a way that will have you rooting for them. The movie explores the themes of love, friendship, sexual and reproductive health as well as the questions many young people ask themselves when faced with the choice to study abroad or stay in their country.
A film about day to day Africa for Africans, I enjoyed it and loved it’s authenticity and dialogue. Though shot in French, subtitles are available.
The film is currently available on Amazon prime. Though it was briefly available for free on Indie streaming sites, it is my hope it will be picked up by streaming platforms with sizable African audiences.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/JWRHLkedrAw