Western films have long portrayed Somalia through a narrow lens, emphasizing war, piracy, and terrorism. Hollywood blockbusters like Black Hawk Down (2001) and Captain Phillips (2013) painted grim pictures of Somalia, often simplifying complex realities. Even years after piracy declined, cinema continued to dramatize Somali pirates, reinforcing outdated stereotypes. Despite casting Somali actors for authenticity, such as Barkhad Abdi, these narratives seldom offered balanced perspectives. The piracy genre, including Fishing Without Nets and A Hijacking, showcased dramatic tensions but rarely explored the root causes of maritime crime. Meanwhile, terrorism-themed films like Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Submergence, and Eye in the Sky used Somalia as a backdrop for covert operations without delving into local contexts. However, a shift is underway. A new wave of Somali-centered films is emerging, with stories told by or about Somalis themselves. Desert Flower, A Girl from Mogadishu, and The Gravedigger’s Wife offer more nuanced portrayals, highlighting strength, resilience, and social issues like FGM.