Lifeline
directed by
Ilhan Abdullahi
Ontario
A Somali youth-worker gets assigned to the case of an 17-year old Somali boy who wants nothing to do with her. Against all odds, she gets him and his loving but guarded family and community to open up to her, in order to help him and his case that's going to trial.
Programmer's Notes
Ilhan Abdullahi’s feature debut, LIFELINE, is a testament to the power of consistent, sustained effort that expands the rich cultural tapestry of Vancouver’s Somali community. LIFELINE is the fully realized adaptation of Abdullahi’s award-winning short film of the same name.
We follow Ibtisam, a youth worker tasked with exonerating Hassan, a charming Somali teen falsely accused of a crime. Hanad Abdi offers a breakout performance and shines on camera as Hassan. As Ibtisam works to prove he was simply guilty of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, she is forced to confront old wounds involving her own brother.
Abdullahi grounds her colourful, distinct characters in the humour and hardship of their community and the world they live in, depicting the sensitive intricacies of the Somali community with care and dignity. The film explores the community’s deep-rooted distrust of law enforcement and government institutions, as Ibtisam walks a tightrope between the system and the people she believes in, trying to do some good along the way.
At its heart, LIFELINE demonstrates that community is strengthened and enriched when we invest in our youth.
Programmer, Aisha Evelyna
Cast
Hanad Abdi Muna Abdulahi Saman Hassan Elmi Rashid Elmi
About the Director
Ilhan Abdullahi is an award-winning Somali-Canadian filmmaker and community mobilizer whose work spotlights the vibrancy and realities of Black and refugee communities. Her short films have screened internationally and most recently at the NewFilmmakers LA festival. She further developed her debut feature screenplay, "Lifeline," through the Whistler Film Festival Screenwriters Lab. Most recently, she received an honourable recognition as a Noteworthy Black Figure of Canada for her contributions to Canadian society through her community work and storytelling.
Running Time
1:17:00
Language
English
Country
Canada
Producers
Mimi Dejene
Province
BC
