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FILM
The Blood Coast (2026) dir. Asmaa Jama
On show at the Somalia Pavillion 61st Venice Bienniale. An experimental moving image piece part of a broader narrative project. Shot in Mogadishu, Somalia and in the UK.
It explores the history of two extractive intersecting trades along the Indian Ocean, pearl diving and the Afro-Arab slave trade. It particularly draws on the visual and sonic worlds of the divers, and the image of the ocean eating away at their bodies. And the Pearl itself layers of nacre, formed around a wound.
In this piece they are transformed into sirens, and return to haunt these landscapes. The piece also touches on the British involvement in these trades after the Emancipation Act of 1833. It was shot at two historic sites, the Underfall Boat Yard and aboard the ship the MV Balmoral.
Exhibiton view, Somalia Pavillion, Venice, photography by Mateo Losurdo.
Credits:
Director/ Writer : Asmaa Jama
Producer : Asmaa Jama
Co-producer: Ibrahim Hirsi
Development consultant : Tobi Kyeremateng; Them Ones Studios
Cinematography :
Somalia
Moad Ali Yusuf
UK
Farhath Siddiqui
Lighting:
Alex Beije
Sound:
George Steedman Jones
Assistant Director:
Bijuca Balde
Actors : Brandon Anderson, Jazz Zoe, Abdallah Hassan
Runner:
Suleekha Ali
Editing : Asmaa Jama, Allan Tolentino
Colour grading : Allan Tolentino
Sound mixing : Allan Tolentino
Music :
Dhiig La’aan
Writers: Ibrahim Hirsi, Maki Xaaji Banaadir
Singer: Saalim Amoore
Music: Juusto band
Saxophonist : Caleb Giles
Sound engineer - Bilaal Jama
Costumes :
Clothes design
Stephanie Coudert
Costume design
Jay S Williams
Additional costumes
Nichii
Art Direction : Asmaa Jama
Additional props :
Courtesy of Koor Archives
Archival footage:
‘Go East Young Man’
Courtesy of Ian Cutter and North West Film Archive
Supported by
FLAMIN fellowship Film London
Sharjah Arts Foundation
Graham Foundation
Shot on location:
MV Balmoral, Bristol
Underfall Yard, Bristol
Thanks to:
Volunteers of MV Balmoral-
Hugh Thomas
David Basset
Maggie Urquhart
Bristol Old Vic
Underfall Yard-
Kaden Gardener
Salman Dirir