About

Abdirahman Fiili

Abdirahman Fiili is a seasoned creative expert with over 15 years of experience in Music, Theatre, Film, Writing, and the broader creative industry. His career began with composing music that has been enjoyed by millions of Somalis, and his gift for storytelling soon led him to write a captivating play—selected for the 15th Arab International Theatre Festival in Muscat, Oman (January 2025) Muscat Daily.

In 2020, Fiili played a pivotal research role in the Oscar submission for The Grave Digger’s Wife, marking the first-ever Somali feature film to be submitted for Academy Award consideration. His commitment to Somali cinema continued in 2023 when he was the main writer and lead actor in Arday, the first-ever TV series shot in Mogadishu. This 10‑episode landmark drama not only generated significant buzz locally and internationally but also cemented Fiili’s reputation as a creative force.

That same year, he expanded his creative portfolio by publishing his debut literary work, Damal, which was launched in London, UK, showcasing his versatility beyond screen and stage.

In 2024, Fiili directed and produced a feature film shot in Djibouti, demonstrating his prowess behind the camera. He also provided essential music copyright support for two Somali films: The Village Next to Paradise and the Minnesota‑shot short Hooyo Macaan. His Djibouti feature went on to receive a nomination at the Kotka Human Rights Film Festival in Finland—a prestigious platform dedicated to human rights cinema FilmFreeway.

By 2025, Fiili’s body of work had garnered international recognition: his theatre production was again selected for the Arab International Theatre Festival Muscat Daily, and his nominated film continued to shine at Kotka.

Currently, Abdirahman Fiili is directing an urgent new documentary in Hargeisa, Somalia, in collaboration with KURA Productions based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Through every medium—be it music composition, theatrical direction, screenwriting, or film production—Fiili remains dedicated to elevating Somali stories on the world stage, amplifying underrepresented voices, and driving meaningful social change.