Improve and expand the creative sector
Spaces for learning, production, networking, exhibition, performance, dialogue and collaboration.
Celebrating who we are and what we can create together.
At Fankeenna, Somali youth turn…
dreams into drawingsfeelings into filmswords into worldssounds into storiesconversations into connections
Our creative purpose
Everything we create, from our spaces to our activities, is designed to entertain, educate, engage and empower.
Entertain
Make space for imagination, enjoyment and the pleasure of experiencing creative work. The open mic, film screenings and live podcast recordings fill the creative courtyard every week.
Educate
Share knowledge, explore ideas and discover new ways of seeing the world. Working artists teach filmmaking, photography, drawing and graphic design in our workshops and masterclasses.
Engage
Bring people into conversation through the stories, images and sounds we share. After a screening, a talk or a podcast recording, the audience stays to discuss what it means for their own lives.
Empower
Make room for people to express themselves and take collective action. Young creatives get a stage and an audience for their work, and communities come together to act on the issues they share.
3rd EDITION
3–24 December 2026
Fankeenna Film Fest is back!
The festival returns for its third edition, bringing filmmakers, audiences and communities together for four nights of films and conversations in Hargeisa, from 3–24 December 2026.
Admission is free. The full festival programme will be announced soon.
6 AprCall for films opened
8 JunSubmission deadline
13 JulSelected films announced
3–24 DecThe festival
We provide local artists and creatives with the space, skills, tools and support they need to develop their talents, showcase their work and reach new audiences and opportunities.
visual artistspaintersphotographersfilmmakersdocumentary makersstorytellerspoetswritersspoken-word performersillustratorsgraphic designersanimatorsdigital artistsmotion-graphics creatorssculptorsinstallation artistsmixed-media creatorscollage artistsperformance artistsconceptual artistssound artistsmusic producersDJsbeat-makerssingersrapperspodcastersactorstheatre performersplaywrightscostume designersset designersmuralistsgraffiti artistscalligraphersprintmakersceramic artistsvisual artistspaintersphotographersfilmmakersdocumentary makersstorytellerspoetswritersspoken-word performersillustratorsgraphic designersanimatorsdigital artistsmotion-graphics creatorssculptorsinstallation artistsmixed-media creatorscollage artistsperformance artistsconceptual artistssound artistsmusic producersDJsbeat-makerssingersrapperspodcastersactorstheatre performersplaywrightscostume designersset designersmuralistsgraffiti artistscalligraphersprintmakersceramic artists
textile artistsfashion designersjewelry makerscraftersweaversproduct designersarchitectsinterior designerscreative technologistsVR artistsAR creatorsgame designersapp designerscreative coderscartoonistscomic creatorszine-makersbook artistscreative writersessayistsportrait photographerseditorial photographersfashion photographersfine art photographerssound recordistseditorscolour graderscinematographersdrone filmmakersproducerscreative entrepreneurscontent creatorssocial media creativescultural researchersheritage artistsupcoming artistsemerging multidisciplinary artiststextile artistsfashion designersjewelry makerscraftersweaversproduct designersarchitectsinterior designerscreative technologistsVR artistsAR creatorsgame designersapp designerscreative coderscartoonistscomic creatorszine-makersbook artistscreative writersessayistsportrait photographerseditorial photographersfashion photographersfine art photographerssound recordistseditorscolour graderscinematographersdrone filmmakersproducerscreative entrepreneurscontent creatorssocial media creativescultural researchersheritage artistsupcoming artistsemerging multidisciplinary artists
What we do
All programmesFankeenna Film Fest
Somaliland’s first recurring film festival. Screenings, jury, awards and talks.
Read more →Shaah iyo Shaxan
Our podcast. Tea, a board game and a long conversation with an artist, recorded live.
Read more →Open Mic
Makarafoonka Furan. Poetry, song, comedy and stories on our stage every week.
Read more →Exhibitions
Photography, painting, string art and more in our contemporary art gallery.
Read more →Youth-led media
Fankeenna Zine, short videos, creative campaigns and documentation made by young creatives.
Read more →Workshops
Film, photography, drawing, graphic design and visual storytelling with working artists.
Read more →
Our space
Eight spaces on Airport Road in Hargeisa, from the courtyard stage to the quiet audio room. Artists use them every day at no cost, and you can book them for your own event.
See the spaces and equipment
Why Fankeenna
Somaliland has a young population with strong creative talent. There are a few galleries and studios, but no creative schools, cinemas, professional theatres or career paths for artists. Most young creatives work alone, and their talent goes unseen and unpaid.
Fankeenna connects space, skills, production, public platforms and advocacy in one place, so talent can grow into work, income and change.
Vision, mission and theory of changeStrengthen the creative economy
Training, resources, visibility, networks and market access so young people can earn from their creative skills.
Use creativity for social change
Creative programming that raises awareness, brings people together and supports collective action on shared issues.
Support Fankeenna
Sponsor an event, partner with us, give in kind or volunteer.
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