First-ever Somali-Canadian narrative feature film shot in Canada wins Audience Choice Award at sold-out world premiere

October 2, 2025
Sabrina Ramroop

A Tribe Called Love won the Audience Choice Award at its world premiere at the Reelworld Film Festival in Toronto on October 18, 2025.

Set in a Somali neighbourhood in Toronto, the film follows teenagers Farah and Halima as they fall in love despite warnings to stay apart because they’re from different tribes. When Farah’s family relocates to Vancouver, the relationship ends abruptly — until they reconnect in their twenties in Toronto. But the same cultural barriers that once divided them soon resurface. Will their love be strong enough to rewrite their fate, or are some histories destined to repeat themselves? This modern-day Romeo and Juliet cautionary tale explores whether cultural barriers can truly be overcome.

“Learning about tribalism's effect on global communities — including neighbourhoods here in Canada — helped drive my desire to produce ‘A Tribe Called Love’. I’m proud to deliver impactful films like this one, especially when they feature young homegrown talent, as I hope it inspires everyone to see that local stories belong on the world stage,” says Andy Marshall, the producer of A Tribe Called Love.

The film also marks Mohamed Ahmed’s feature film directorial debut.

“I felt compelled to tell this story because, as a Somali-Canadian, it’s troubling that tribalism continues to impact our community. Framing this film as a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet highlights how tribalism’s culture still permeates the world today, and can be reflected in today’s relationships. At its core, this is a story about love, community and unity,” shares Mohamed Ahmed, the writer and director of A Tribe Called Love.

A Tribe Called Love focuses on the enduring influence of Somali tribalism. What once functioned as a way of affirming community ties has, over generations, transformed into a source of conflict and separation. Through its characters, the film asks what happens when love and connection collide with traditions that divide.

Authenticity and intentionality were paramount throughout the casting process. The production team prioritized hiring young Somali and East African actors from Toronto. It was essential for the film’s cultural representation to remain genuine and rooted in the community it portrays while also shining a spotlight on the East African community as a whole.

A Tribe Called Love is a testament to the creativity emerging from Toronto’s diverse communities. Featuring local talent, a Toronto backdrop and a powerful message of unity, the film is set to captivate audiences. While tickets for the premiere sold out, the film will be available to Canadian audiences on Crave in 2026.

Check out the movie trailer:

About the film’s creators

Andy Marshall, Producer

Andy is a producer, actor, writer, cultural worker and founder of the production company Mahaica Point Media Inc.

Andy has acted in over 50 films, television shows and theatre projects. He’s been featured in hit series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Murdoch Mysteries and Reacher.

A former Programming Manager at the Black Screen Office, he was also the Industry Programs Manager at the Reelworld Film Festival 2018 and the E20 Workshops Coordinator at Reelworld 2021. In 2022, he participated in the Caribbean Tales program that resulted in a proof of concept for the film “Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.”

Andy was also nominated for the 2025 Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award.

Mohamed Ahmed, Writer and Director

Mohamed Ahmed’s journey to Canada began after his parents, who were born in Somalia, fled the war. He grew up in Ottawa before moving to Vancouver to pursue his passion for filmmaking at the Vancouver Film School.

After years of experience working on film and television sets, Mohamed has gone on to create his own original work, such as “Sheeko Sheeko,” a Somali web-based talk show. This gained widespread recognition, being featured in Vice’s “Huang’s World” and winning Best Podcast at the 2017 Toronto Webfest.

In addition, Mohamed created the web series “Ayan’s World,” a vibrant portrayal of Somali culture.